Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It's perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. The key to a great pasta salad is the dressing. This article features three delicious pasta salad dressing recipes that are sure to please everyone.
The first recipe is a classic vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs. It's light and refreshing, and it pairs well with any type of pasta. The second recipe is a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. It's rich and flavorful, and it's perfect for pasta salads with chicken, bacon, or vegetables. The third recipe is a pesto dressing made with fresh basil, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. It's aromatic and flavorful, and it's perfect for pasta salads with grilled vegetables or seafood.
No matter which dressing you choose, you're sure to enjoy a delicious pasta salad that's perfect for any occasion.
PASTA SALAD WITH HOMEMADE DRESSING
Pasta salad filled with veggies, cheese, and seasoning. Very tasty and versatile -- is great to make ahead.
Provided by BONNIES
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 8h45m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, pepperoni, provolone cheese, red onion, cucumber, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, olives, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
- In a jar with a lid, mix the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, oregano, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Seal jar, and shake well.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad, and toss to coat. Cover, and chill 8 hours in the refrigerator
Nutrition Facts : Calories 442.8 calories, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Cholesterol 38.9 mg, Fat 32 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 15.9 g, SaturatedFat 9.5 g, Sodium 835.7 mg, Sugar 2.6 g
ITALIAN DRESSING PASTA SALAD
This colorful salad is hearty enough to be a light meal in itself. It's a great make-ahead dish, since the full flavors of the herbs and veggies need a little time to blend. For more tasty ideas, check out these other cold pasta salad recipes.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 1h
Yield 36 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water; drain well. In two large bowls, combine the California vegetables, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, onion, cheeses and pasta. , In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Stir in olives. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. , Toss before serving. Serve with Romano cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 405mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
PASTA SALAD DRESSING
A flavorful dressing for a pasta salad. With the combination of mayo and olive oil, a light and creamy dressing is created that allows the flavor from the herbs to come through to provide a burst of flavor.
Provided by Tina Kennard
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Salad Dressing Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Beat mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and basil together in a bowl with a whisk until smooth.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 224.4 calories, Carbohydrate 2 g, Cholesterol 5.2 mg, Fat 24.4 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 247.3 mg, Sugar 0.7 g
CHICKEN PASTA SALAD IN CREAMY CURRY DRESSING
Categories Salad Milk/Cream Chicken Pasta Tomato Quick & Easy Lunch Basil Curry Summer Boil Gourmet Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Serves 2
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large kettle of boiling salted water cook the pasta for 10 minutes, or until it is tender, refresh it in a colander under cold water, and drain it well. In a large bowl combine the pasta, the chicken, the tomatoes, the scallions, and the basil.
- Make the dressing:
- In a skillet cook the garlic and the gingerroot in the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until the garlic is softened, add the cream, and cook the mixture, whisking, until it is thickened slightly. Whisk in the vinegar, the curry powder, the red pepper flakes, and the chutney.
- Add the dressing to the pasta mixture, tossing the salad to combine it well, and season the salad with salt and pepper.
GARDEN PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY DILL DRESSING
Make and share this Garden Pasta Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing recipe from Food.com.
Provided by PalatablePastime
Categories Vegetable
Time 40m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Mix together salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.
- Mix together dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pour dressing over salad, tossing to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.
PASTA SALAD WITH POACHED SHRIMP AND LEMON-DILL DRESSING
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 25m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the juice of 3 lemons, the honey and chopped dill. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Reserve.
- Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil. Add the juice of the remaining 2 lemons, the dill stems and 1/2 cup salt. Add the shrimp and cook until opaque and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the shrimp using a slotted spoon and add to the dressing. Toss to coat.
- Bring the poaching liquid back up to a boil. Drop the pasta and cook until al dente, 9 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and run it under cold water until the pasta is cooled. Remove the dill stems.
- Add the pasta, grape tomatoes and cucumbers to the bowl with the shrimp and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
PASTA SALAD WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING
This pasta salad is frequently requested at family get-togethers. The poppy seed dressing is also delicious in coleslaw or with a tossed salad.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 18 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water and drain. Place in a large bowl; add cheese, broccoli, carrots, cucumber, tomatoes and onions. In a blender, combine vinegar, sugar, garlic, onion, mustard and salt; gradually add oil, blending until smooth. Add poppy seeds. Pour over pasta mixture and toss. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts :
STRAWBERRY SPINACH PASTA SALAD WITH ORANGE POPPY SEED DRESSING RECIPE - (4/5)
Provided by rmulleni
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Instructions 1.Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar, cover, and shake well. Set aside. 2.Combine penne, spinach, strawberries, pineapple, cranberries, and cashews in a large bowl and toss with the prepared dressing. 3.Serve immediately or cover and chill for 1 hour before serving.
CHICKEN PASTA SALAD IN CREAMY CURRY DRESSING
I could eat a gallon of this at least once a week! What a delicious change from the ordinary chicken pasta salad. From Gourmet Magazine, July 1990.
Provided by anovamom
Categories Chicken
Time 20m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large bowl combine the pasta, chicken, tomatoes, scallions, and basil. Set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook until the garlic is softened.
- Add the cream and cook the mixture, whisking until slightly thickened.
- Whisk in the vinegar, curry powder, red pepper flakes, and chutney.
- Add the dressing to the pasta mixture, tossing to combine well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 864.9, Fat 32.4, SaturatedFat 14.6, Cholesterol 198.9, Sodium 141.2, Carbohydrate 84.2, Fiber 12.3, Sugar 1.6, Protein 59.7
CHICKEN PASTA SALAD WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING
Save time with deli chicken and prepared dressing to create this satisfying pasta salad.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 25m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cook pasta as directed on package. Drain; rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well.
- In large bowl, gently mix cooled cooked pasta, chicken, grapes and celery. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat well. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 390, Carbohydrate 49 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1170 mg, Sugar 14 g, TransFat 0 g
PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY LEMON DILL DRESSING
My son's favorite summer salad. Very light and refreshing on hot days. You can make it with low fat mayo and yogurt if you wish for a low cal version, and you can basically substitute any kind of veggies you want.
Provided by Semra22
Categories Vegetable
Time 30m
Yield 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to directions or till just al dente. Drain pasta.
- Combine the vegetables and pasta together in large bowl.
- Whisk the mayonnaise, yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt and pepper together.
- Fold into pasta mixture. Chill in fridge 2 hours or so or till ready to eat.
PASTA SALAD WITH LEMON-PESTO DRESSING
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 20m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it.
- Place pesto, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, tomatoes, scallions and cheese in a large bowl.
- Cook pasta to al dente then cold shock it and chill it down under cold running water. Drain well. Add to mixing bowl. Combine salad and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
PASTA SALAD WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS AND BASIL WITH WHITE BALSAMIC DRESSING
Provided by Robin Miller : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 10m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, oil and mustard. Add cooked pasta, red peppers and basil and toss to combine. Season, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Fold in mozzarella cheese.
TURKEY CLUB PASTA SALAD WITH LEMON-BASIL DRESSING
For a quick meal, try this contemporary salad version of the classic sandwich.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 2h25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients for Lemon-Basil Dressing.
- Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water; drain.
- Mix pasta, dressing and remaining ingredients in large bowl. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours to blend flavors.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 490, Carbohydrate 29 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 330 mg
CHICKEN PASTA SALAD WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING
This recipe is one I've found that comes closest to the salad you can buy at Lowe's Grocery store. This is one fabulous salad, I made it for the first time last night.
Provided by Shirl J 831
Categories Summer
Time 25m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cook the pasta twists as directed.
- Drain; rinse with cold water to cool.
- Drain well.
- In a large bowl, gently mix cooled cooked pasta, chicken, grapes and celery.
- Pour dressing over top salad; toss to coat well.
- Serve immediately.
PASTA SALAD WITH GREEN ONION DRESSING
Provided by Roger Mooking
Time 50m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- For the green onion dressing: Heat a grill. Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil over the white portion of the green onions. Place the white bottoms of the green onions on the hot grill and grill until they are slightly softened and charred. Put the grilled whites of the green onions, the green onion tops, garlic, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and remaining olive oil in a blender, puree until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the sour cream. Season the dressing with salt, and black pepper, to taste. Set the dressing aside.
- For the pasta salad: Heat a grill. Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl, toss with 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over the red onion rings and season with salt.
- Place the red onions on the hot grill and grill until softened, approximately 10 minutes, remove the onions from the grill. Coarsely dice the grilled red onions. Add the chopped red onions, red pepper, yellow pepper, orange pepper, chopped parsley, and green onion dressing to the pasta. Mix to incorporate all ingredients. Season the pasta with salt, and pepper, to taste. Garnish with toasted coconut.
EASY GREEK PASTA SALAD WITH TAHINI DRESSING
Create fresh deli-like salads in minutes with Betty Crocker™ Suddenly Pasta Salad™!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook pasta as directed on box. Meanwhile, in large bowl, stir together seasoning mix (from salad box), oil, tahini, lemon juice and water.
- Drain pasta; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well.
- Add drained pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, arugula and chick peas to tahini dressing mixture. Measure out and reserve 2 tablespoons feta cheese. Add remaining feta cheese to pasta; toss to combine. Sprinkle with reserved feta cheese. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 340, Carbohydrate 33 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 3 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 9 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 550 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g
TURKEY, BACON PASTA SALAD WITH LEMON BASIL DRESSING
Great pasta salad, you can substitute your favorite pasta dressing instead of the Lemon Basil. My adaptation of a recipe from Betty Crocker.
Provided by Sassy Cat
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 2h25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook pasta as directed on package; omitting salt.
- Rinse pasta in cold water; drain.
- Mix together mayonnaise, basil, lemon peel and lemon juice in a large bowl to form dressing.
- Add pasta, bacon (reserving 2 Tbl for topping), turkey, lettuce, cheese and tomato to dressing.
- Mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours to blend flavors.
- Sprinkle with reserved bacon.
- Serve.
BLT PASTA SALAD WITH RANCH DRESSING
The same ingredients that compose a great sandwich create a superb salad for six in less than half an hour.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook and drain pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Rinse with cold water; drain well.
- Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat about 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Crumble into small pieces or cut into thirds.
- In large bowl, mix pasta, onion and tomatoes; toss gently with dressing to coat. Place lettuce leaf on each of 6 salad plates; divide pasta mixture evenly along plates. Sprinkle each with bacon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 210, Carbohydrate 29 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 320 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g
SIMPLE PASTA SALAD DRESSING
A simple-to-make pasta salad dressing, based on the ingredient list found on a box of pasta salad mix. My recipe is almost identical to the Italian-style pasta salad that comes from a box, but it tastes better.
Provided by Caleb1993
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Salad Dressing Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Blend canola oil, vinegar, corn syrup, lemon juice, onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, parsley, basil, and red pepper flakes in a blender until smooth, about 30 seconds.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 231.5 calories, Carbohydrate 16.9 g, Cholesterol 0.7 mg, Fat 19 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 219.8 mg, Sugar 5.8 g
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta: Short, sturdy pastas like penne, rotini, and bow-tie pasta are ideal for pasta salad because they hold the dressing well.
- Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking the pasta until it is just tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won't hold its shape well in the salad.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water: This will stop the cooking process and help the pasta to cool down quickly. Rinsing the pasta will also remove excess starch, which can make the salad gummy.
- Use a flavorful dressing: A good pasta salad dressing should be flavorful and tangy. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs is a great option. You can also use a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, yogurt, or sour cream.
- Add a variety of vegetables: Vegetables add color, flavor, and texture to pasta salad. Some popular vegetables to add to pasta salad include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a pop of flavor to pasta salad. Some popular herbs to use include basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme.
- Add some protein: Protein helps to make pasta salad a more filling meal. Some popular protein options include grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, and beans.
- Chill the pasta salad before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish. It's a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables, and it's also a perfect dish for potlucks and picnics. With so many different variations, there's sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy.
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