Best 4 Off The Shelf Pasta Salad Recipes
Pasta salad is a versatile and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is a perfect meal for summer picnics, potlucks, or barbecues. This article offers a collection of 10 off-the-shelf pasta salad recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor.
From classic Italian pasta salad to unique Asian-inspired variations, these recipes utilize store-bought ingredients to create delicious and convenient meals. Whether you prefer a creamy dressing, a tangy vinaigrette, or a light and refreshing marinade, there's a recipe here to suit every taste. With options ranging from vegetarian to meat-based salads, this article provides a variety of dishes that are sure to become favorites for any occasion.
QUICK AND EASY PASTA SALAD
This easy pasta salad is flexible based on the ingredients you have in your kitchen or the season. Start with a hearty pasta shape that has nooks and crannies to hold onto the dressing like rotini or penne. Then toss with our simple dressing and lots of colorful vegetables. We also love adding parmesan cheese, which melts into the dressing as well as a handful of fresh mozzarella balls. For more suggestions for what to add, read through our recommendations in the article above.
Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher
Categories Side Dish, Salad
Time 20m
Yield Makes about 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender, 6 to 10 minutes (check the package for recommended cook time). Drain and rinse well under cold water.
- While the pasta cooks, in the bottom of a large bowl, make the dressing. Whisk the red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, pepperoncini juice (if using), and the olive oil until blended. Add the drained and rinsed pasta to the dressing and mix well.
- Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, scallions, pepperoncini (if using), olives, parmesan, mozzarella, and the herbs (if using). Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve or for the best results, cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1/10 of the salad, Calories 363, Fat 19.1g, SaturatedFat 5.1g, Cholesterol 18.3mg, Sodium 507.1mg, Carbohydrate 36.6g, Fiber 2.3g, Sugar 2g, Protein 11.7g
ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE
This is one satisfying and flavor-packed cold pasta salad with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, rustic old-world salami, tangy olives, and mozzarella. A zesty Italian dressing brings it all together.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Salad
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until the pasta is cooked to al dante (don't forget to salt your water). Drain
- In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the tomatoes, chopped veggies, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients together.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.1 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Cholesterol 26.9 mg, Sodium 748.4 mg, Fiber 2.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving
PASTA SALAD
This pasta salad has everything you could want in the bowl: loads of ripe tomatoes, chunks of mozzarella, sliced olives, salami and plenty of fresh green herbs, all tossed in a garlicky, oregano-spiked red wine vinaigrette. Serve it the same day it's made for the brightest flavor and best texture.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories dinner, easy, lunch, quick, weeknight, pastas, salads and dressings, main course, side dish
Time 30m
Yield 8 to 10
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Make the dressing: Combine vinegar, garlic, oregano and a big pinch each salt and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk in oil; taste and add more salt, pepper or vinegar as needed. Set aside.
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until the pasta is al dente. Drain well, transfer to the large bowl, and toss with the dressing while still warm.
- Add tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, olives, cucumber and onion to the bowl and toss well; fold in herbs. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and vinegar, if you like.
- Drizzle with olive oil and top with cracked black pepper just before serving.
OFF THE SHELF PASTA SALAD
OK .. a couple of the ingredients are fresh, but this is a very quick and tasty salad for a pot luck.
Provided by Bill Hilbrich
Categories Low Cholesterol
Time 1h10m
Yield 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package instruction, and drain.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, and allow to cool in the refrigerator for one hour.
- Stir, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 329.7, Fat 14.4, SaturatedFat 2.3, Sodium 904.5, Carbohydrate 44.1, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 7.2, Protein 6.8
Tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables, flavorful cheese, and a good quality pasta. These ingredients will elevate the taste of your pasta salad.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but aim for a slightly al dente texture. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
- Chill the Pasta Before Assembly: After cooking the pasta, rinse it under cold water and then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the pasta absorb the flavors of the dressing better.
- Use a Variety of Vegetables: To make your pasta salad more colorful and flavorful, incorporate a variety of vegetables. Some common choices include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and broccoli. You can also add leafy greens like spinach or arugula.
- Choose the Right Dressing: The dressing is what brings the pasta salad together, so choose one that you enjoy. There are many different types of dressings that you can use, such as vinaigrette, pesto, or creamy dressings. You can also make your own dressing using olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
- Add Protein and Healthy Fats: To make your pasta salad more filling and satisfying, add some protein and healthy fats. Some good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, avocado, nuts, and seeds.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your pasta salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or spices to enhance the flavor.
Conclusion:
With these tips in mind, you can create a delicious and refreshing pasta salad that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're having a picnic, potluck, or just a casual lunch, this versatile dish is sure to be a hit. So get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your perfect pasta salad recipe.
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