Best 9 Pasta Salad For A Picnic Recipes

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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!

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

PICNIC PASTA SALAD



Picnic Pasta Salad image

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

3 cups tricolor spiral pasta, cooked and drained
1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn, thawed
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 small zucchini, sliced
1 cup small pitted ripe olives
DRESSING:
1/3 cup tarragon vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons dill weed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

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



The Perfect Picnic Pasta Salad image

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

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ cup cider vinegar
¼ cup rice vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons white sugar
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 pound rotini (corkscrew) pasta
1 cup sliced snow peas
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
½ cup shelled English peas
1 cup broccoli florets
½ cup diced bell peppers
1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
¼ cup finely diced red onion
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

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



Picnic Pasta image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup drained cornichons, chopped
1/2 cup mixed chopped fresh herbs such as tarragon, basil and dill, roughly chopped
1/4 cup drained capers, chopped
4 small inner stalks celery and the leaves, chopped fine
1 small bulb fennel, chopped fine
1 pound short pasta such as casarecce, fusilli or elbow, cooked and cooled
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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



Contest-Winning Picnic Pasta Salad image

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

1 package (12 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
1 package (10 ounces) refrigerated tricolor tortellini
1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, undrained
1/2 pound fresh broccoli florets (about 1-3/4 cups)
12 ounces provolone cheese, cubed
12 ounces hard salami, cubed
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 medium red onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 envelopes Italian salad dressing mix

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



Classic Picnic Pasta Salad image

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

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup bite-sized broccoli florets
8 ounces dried fusilli pasta
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup diced ham
1/2 cup diced provolone
1/4 cup sliced pitted black olives
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup diced salami

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



Picnic Pasta image

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

1 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup Italian dressing
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
5 Roma tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 large cucumber, coarsely chopped
1 (6 ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained
1 medium red onion, chopped

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



Picnic Pasta Salad image

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

1 package (16 ounces) rotini pasta
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup Italian dressing
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves or 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (3 ounces)
5 roma (plum) tomatoes, coarsely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
1 large cucumber, coarsely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained

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



Summer Picnic Pasta Salad image

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

1 lb tri-colored pasta (I've used shells or spiral shaped)
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 cup chopped red pepper
1 cup asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/4 cup pitted and chopped kalamata olive
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cubed marinated mozzarella cheese (optional)
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil or 3/4 cup canola oil
salt and pepper

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



Pasta Salad for a Picnic image

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

16 ounces penne pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes
4 ounces provolone cheese
1 cup red pepper
1/2 cup green pepper
1/4 cup onion
1/4 cup cucumber
1/4 cup black olives
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove
3 tablespoons fresh basil or 3 teaspoons dried basil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder

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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