Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a refreshing meal on a hot summer day or as a hearty side dish for a barbecue. It's also a great way to use up leftover pasta, vegetables, and protein. This article features three delicious pasta salad recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
The first recipe is a classic Italian pasta salad made with penne pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The second recipe is a Greek pasta salad with a creamy feta cheese dressing. The third recipe is a hearty chicken pasta salad with a mayonnaise-based dressing. All three recipes are easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal preferences. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these pasta salad recipes a try!
PICNIC PASTA SALAD
I like recipes that use what we grow. This particular recipe has been handed down in our family for years. I can't go to a picnic without it. -Luana Francis, Columbia Station, Ohio
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 6-8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large bowl, toss pasta, corn, tomatoes, zucchini and olives; set aside. In a jar with tight-fitting lid, combine all of the dressing ingredients; cover and shake well. Drizzle over salad; lightly toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 299 calories, Fat 16g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 427mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
THE PERFECT PICNIC PASTA SALAD
Pasta salad is almost always the most disappointing side dish at the picnic or cookout, but this recipe shows you how to transform what is normally an "afterthought" to a dish that's good enough to enjoy on its own, or as the perfect complement to grilled meat. Top this with extra fresh chopped herbs if you like.
Provided by Chef John
Categories 100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes Pasta by Shape Recipes
Time 3h45m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Whisk Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and cayenne together in a large bowl for about 30 seconds. Whisk in olive oil in 1-teaspoon increments until emulsified. Whisk in tarragon, dill, parsley, chives, and thyme. Remove and reserve 1/2 of the dressing in a separate small bowl.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Add snow peas, carrots, peas, and broccoli about 2 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain pasta and veggies well, but do not rinse.
- Transfer hot pasta mixture to the vinaigrette in the large mixing bowl and toss well to combine. Let rest for 5 minutes and toss again. Toss occasionally until the mixture is almost room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, salt, and the reserved dressing and toss well.
- Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving. Toss and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 491.9 calories, Carbohydrate 50.9 g, Fat 28.1 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 9.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 641.6 mg, Sugar 5.3 g
PICNIC PASTA
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 25m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar and honey in a large bowl. Stir in the cornichons, herbs, capers, celery and fennel until combined. Add the pasta and salt and toss until well coated.
CONTEST-WINNING PICNIC PASTA SALAD
My family's not big on traditional pasta salads made with mayonnaise, so when I served this colorful version that uses Italian dressing, it was a big hit. This crowd-pleaser is loaded with vegetables, beans and tricolor pasta. It's one of the best picnic salad ideas! -Felicia Fiocchi, Vineland, New Jersey
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 25m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook spiral pasta and tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the artichokes, broccoli, provolone cheese, salami, peppers, beans, olives, onion and garlic. , Prepare salad dressing according to package directions; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 411 calories, Fat 23g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 1156mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.
CLASSIC PICNIC PASTA SALAD
Bulk up this delicious pasta salad with broccoli, peas, ham and provolone.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 30m
Yield 4-6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Whisk the mayonnaise, parsley, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper together in a large bowl.
- Cook the broccoli in the boiling water until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander. Run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the broccoli to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Three minutes before the pasta is done, add the peas to the pot. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Add to the bowl.
- Add the ham, provolone, olives, onion and salami to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.
PICNIC PASTA
A picnic pasta salad with the fresh flavors of veggies and herbs.
Provided by Stacy
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 2h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Mix tomato sauce, Italian dressing, basil, and oregano together in a large bowl. Add pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion; toss. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 2 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 282.8 calories, Carbohydrate 50.8 g, Cholesterol 1.8 mg, Fat 5.2 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 8.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 748.9 mg, Sugar 6.2 g
PICNIC PASTA SALAD
This quick and easy pasta salad features the fresh flavors of veggies and herbs.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 2h20m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water; drain.
- Mix tomato sauce, dressing, basil and oregano in large bowl. Add pasta and remaining ingredients; toss. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours until chilled but no longer than 48 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 245, Carbohydrate 36 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 340 mg
SUMMER PICNIC PASTA SALAD
This delicious sweet and tangy pasta salad is just bursting with color. It's made with very little mayo, which makes it good for outdoor gatherings. Feel free to substitute 1 cup of any vegetable that you prefer (mushrooms, cucumbers, zucchini, or tomatoes all work well too)
Provided by Kozmic Blues
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 20m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Blanch broccoli and asparagus in boiling salted water, and plunge into ice bath to stop cooking.
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Rinse with cold water and drain.
- Toss pasta with chopped vegetables.
- Mix first 5 ingredients of dressing, and slowly whisk in oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss dressing with pasta and vegetables.
- Chill until ready to serve.
PASTA SALAD FOR A PICNIC
My husband and I love to go on nice picnics together. This salad brings back memories of a nice sunny day where we sat along side of a beautiful beach listening to the sounds of the ocean...I hope you enjoy!!!
Provided by Chef Decadent1
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 25m
Yield 12 , 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Place in a salad bowl; add tomatoes, cheese ( you can also use feta or swiss if you prefer, peppers, onion and olives.
- In blender, combine the dressing ingredients.oil etc -- cover and process until blended. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate until cool.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your pasta salad.
- Cook the pasta al dente. This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
- Don't overdress the salad. A little dressing goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- Pack the salad in an airtight container for your picnic. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from getting soggy.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for a picnic. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be a recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you are planning a picnic, be sure to include a pasta salad on your menu. Your friends and family will love it!
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