Best 5 Pasta Salad With Basil Vinaigrette Recipes

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Pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. It is also a great way to use up leftover pasta. This recipe features a simple basil vinaigrette that is bursting with flavor. The vinaigrette is made with fresh basil, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. It is tossed with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Parmesan cheese. The result is a light and flavorful salad that is sure to please everyone. The recipe also includes instructions for making a creamy basil vinaigrette and a lemon-herb vinaigrette, so you can choose the dressing that best suits your taste.

Here are the recipes that you can find in the article:

* Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
* Pasta Salad with Creamy Basil Vinaigrette
* Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions and a list of ingredients. The article also includes tips for making the best pasta salad, such as using fresh ingredients and cooking the pasta al dente. With so many delicious options to choose from, you are sure to find a pasta salad recipe that you will love.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

BALSAMIC BASIL PASTA SALAD



Balsamic Basil Pasta Salad image

Balsamic Basil Pasta Salad is an delicious, healthy side dish perfect for any potluck, picnic or barbecue!

Provided by Stephanie

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 14

7 oz (about 2 1/4 cups) dry whole wheat rotini pasta or chickpea pasta if you're gluten-free, cooked (3 1/2 cups cooked pasta)
2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered
1 1/4 cups cucumber, chopped (I like to use an English cucumber for this)
1 1/2 cups orange bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped and soaked in ice water for a few minutes, then drained (this takes some of the bite out)
1 1/4 cup mild (or hot if ya like!) pickled banana pepper rings, drained and chopped
1 can (3.8 oz) sliced black olives, drained
1 (8 oz) block of mozzarella cheese, diced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (or more if you like!)
1/4 cup + 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dijon or spicy brown mustard
pinch of salt and pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Boil your pasta. While your pasta is cooking, make your dressing. Whisk together the vinegar, garlic powder, mustard, salt and pepper. While still whisking, drizzle in your olive oil. Once fully combined, set aside.
  • When the pasta is done cooking, drain well then add a few tablespoons of the dressing to the pasta to prevent sticking and refrigerate until cold in a large bowl - this makes about 13 cups so be sure to have a big enough bowl! (Hot Tip: Don't rinse your pasta in cold water after cooking, removing the outer starch can keep the dressing from sticking well to it!)
  • Add the remaining ingredients to the pasta (you may need to give the dressing another good whisking before adding if the oil has separated). You can serve this right away, but it's even better if it can have some time to marinate in the fridge! Once it's refrigerated, I like to let it sit on the counter for a few (the olive oil will thicken in the fridge and setting it out re-liquifies it) then give it a good stir before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 9 grams fat, ServingSize 1 cup

QUICK AND EASY PASTA SALAD



Quick and Easy Pasta Salad image

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

1 pound dried pasta like fusilli, penne, rotini or farfalle (bow tie)
1 cup sliced bell pepper (1 medium)
1 cup thinly sliced zucchini (1/2 medium)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions (5 to 6)
1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers, optional
1 cup (4 ounces) halved mixed olives
1 cup (2 ounces) grated parmesan cheese or hard cheese
1 cup (6 ounces) fresh mozzarella balls, chopped
1/3 cup fresh parsley or basil, optional
1/3 cup red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 to 3 tablespoons juice from pepperoncini jar, optional
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

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 BASIL PASTA SALAD



Italian Basil Pasta Salad image

Ready for a big bite of summertime? Pass around this garden-fresh pasta salad. I'd suggest serving it at your next dinner party, potluck or luncheon. -Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 18 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 package (16 ounces) bow tie pasta
2 cups grape tomatoes
7 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
1/2 cup pickled banana pepper rings
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
4 thin slices hard salami, diced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
DRESSING:
3/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, cheese, yellow pepper, onion, pepper rings, olives, salami and basil. , In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 224 calories, Fat 13g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 221mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

CHICKEN, TOMATO, AND PASTA SALAD WITH BASIL VINAIGRETTE



Chicken, Tomato, and Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette image

Provided by Ming Tsai

Categories     main-dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup Basil Oil, recipe follows
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cooked chicken, picked off of the bone, skin and all, shredded
4 cups blanched fusilli pasta
2 large ripe tomatoes, medium dice
1/2 bunch Thai basil, picked, reserve a few tops, for garnish
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 limes, juiced
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1 cup canola oil
2 cups Thai basil leaves
Salt and black pepper

Steps:

  • In a blender, add the Dijon and vinegars and blend. Drizzle in the oils to emulsify. In a large salad bowl, toss the chicken, pasta, tomatoes and basil. Season with salt and black pepper. Check for flavor.
  • In a large pasta bowl, plate the entire salad and garnish with basil tops.
  • In a blender, puree garlic, ginger, lime juice, salt, and sugar and oil until smooth. Do not overmix thereby heating the mixture. Add the basil and puree smooth. Check for seasoning.

PASTA PRIMAVERA SALAD WITH FRESH BASIL VINAIGRETTE



Pasta Primavera Salad with Fresh Basil Vinaigrette image

A make ahead salad that is a nice luncheon or light dinner dish. This dish is easy to half and it is also an excellent way to use up leftover pasta.

Provided by TPubmgjbd

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 50m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 lb uncooked pasta (shell, rotina or mostaccioli)
1 bunch fresh broccoli, cut into flowerets
2 summer squash, sliced
2 red peppers, cut into julienne strips
1 cucumber, quartered and sliced
3 cups artichoke hearts, drained
1/4 lb carrot, grated
salt and pepper
1 clove garlic, pressed or finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup wine vinegar (red or white, your choice)
3 cups olive oil

Steps:

  • Salad: Cook pasta in lightly salted water for about 15 minutes.
  • Drain.
  • Rinse pasta with cold water and drain again.
  • Chill.
  • Blanch broccoli and summer squash by immersing in boiling, salted water for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Rinse in cold water and drain.
  • Combine all salad ingredients.
  • Just before serving, drizzle with Vinaigrette Dressing and toss.
  • Arrange on a serving platter lined with leaf lettuce.
  • Vinaigrette: Add garlic and basil to blender container.
  • Process on Chop.
  • Add salt, pepper and mustard; process a few seconds.
  • Add lemon juice and vinegar and blend.
  • Add olive oil and process until smooth.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 665.4, Fat 55, SaturatedFat 7.6, Sodium 184.3, Carbohydrate 38.8, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 3.8, Protein 7.8

Tips:

  • Use a variety of pasta shapes and sizes. This will give your salad a more interesting texture and appearance.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means that it should be cooked until it is still slightly firm to the bite.
  • Use a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what will really make your salad shine, so don't skimp on the ingredients.
  • Add plenty of fresh vegetables. Vegetables will add color, crunch, and nutrients to your salad.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are endless possibilities when it comes to pasta salad, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients and flavors.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a picnic. It's also a great way to use up leftover pasta. With so many different variations to choose from, there's sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed.

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