Best 2 Pasta Salad For Lunch This Week Recipes

In the realm of delightful summer dishes, pasta salad reigns supreme, offering a refreshing and flavorful symphony of textures and tastes. This versatile dish can be tailored to suit any palate, with a myriad of variations that cater to various dietary preferences and culinary inclinations. From classic Italian recipes brimming with fresh herbs and sun-ripened tomatoes to vibrant Mediterranean creations bursting with feta cheese and Kalamata olives, the world of pasta salad is an endless tapestry of culinary exploration.

For those seeking a classic taste of Italy, the traditional Pasta Salad with Pesto and Roasted Vegetables is a must-try. This dish combines the aromatic basil pesto with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, creating a medley of flavors that dance on the palate. Alternatively, the colorful Greek Pasta Salad entices with its vibrant mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy lemon-oregano dressing that captures the essence of the Mediterranean.

Venturing beyond traditional boundaries, the article also presents a tantalizing Vegan Pasta Salad, a symphony of flavors and textures that caters to plant-based diets. With its medley of roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, and red onion, this salad is a delightful symphony of colors and flavors, while the creamy avocado dressing adds a touch of richness and indulgence. For those seeking a protein-packed option, the Chicken and Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad delivers a satisfying combination of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing, making it a perfect choice for hearty appetites.

Lastly, the article concludes with a unique and refreshing Asian-inspired Pasta Salad, a delightful fusion of East and West. This salad features a vibrant combination of snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, and a zesty sesame-ginger dressing that awakens the senses with its vibrant flavors. With its diverse selection of recipes, this article offers a culinary journey that caters to various tastes and preferences, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect pasta salad companion.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD

Classic Macaroni Salad image

This classic macaroni salad recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It's perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or festive weekend barbecue. -Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
Dash paprika

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. , For dressing, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, sugar substitute, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, carrot and onion. Add dressing and toss gently to coat. , Refrigerate until serving. Garnish with egg and paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 115 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 362mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

PASTA SALAD FOR LUNCH THIS WEEK!

Pasta Salad for Lunch This Week! image

This recipe came from Real Simple. It's one that you clearly can modify to use whatever you have handy in the pantry and fridge. Bringing a lunch from home is a great way to save money - even the employee cafeteria is getting pricey! You can use pretty much any short variety of pasta. I would add julienned sundried tomatoes to several of these, or some chopped red bell pepper, for color and flavor. I threw in a little Recipe #269360 with the Asian version. Please note: I seem to get only 4 servings from a pound of pasta, so you might want to check that.

Provided by duonyte

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 25m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 24

Ingredients

1 lb fusilli or 1 lb farfalle pasta
olive oil
1/2 cup canned chick-peas or 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
1/2 cup arugula
1/4 cup crumbled feta
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
6 jarred artichoke hearts, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped roasted almonds
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 (3 ounce) can tuna, drained
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olive
2 tablespoons chopped red onions
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 carrot, thinly sliced
1/4 English cucumber, diced
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/2 cup shredded chicken
1/4 cup prepared pesto sauce

Steps:

Cook the pasta as per package instructions. Rinse in cold water and toss with a little olive oil. Refrigerate.
For each day, whisk together the liquid ingredients, if there is more than one.
Mix the remaining ingredients with 1 1/2 cup of the cooked pasta, then toss with the liquid ingredients.
For the Chicken and Pesto version, I found that warming the pasta in the microwave just a bit helped it toss more evenly with the pesto. You do need to let it cool a bit before packing it up for your lunch.

Tips:

Prep Ahead: Save time by boiling the pasta, chopping the veggies, and making the dressing in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli are ideal for pasta salads as they hold the dressing well.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente (slightly firm to the bite) to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
Use Fresh, Crisp Veggies: Choose a variety of colorful veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and zucchini for added crunch and flavor.
Pack in the Protein: Add protein-rich ingredients like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the salad more filling and satisfying.
Make a Flavorful Dressing: Experiment with different dressings to suit your taste. Try a simple vinaigrette, creamy ranch, or tangy lemon-herb dressing.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the pasta salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and make it more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that offers endless possibilities for customization. With its colorful ingredients, flavorful dressings, and endless variations, it's a perfect meal prep option for busy individuals or a delightful side dish for gatherings. Whether you prefer a classic Italian pasta salad, a Greek-inspired version, or a unique fusion of flavors, the key to a great pasta salad lies in using fresh ingredients, cooking the pasta perfectly, and creating a well-balanced dressing. So, gather your favorite ingredients, let your creativity shine, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying pasta salad for lunch or any occasion.