Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our delectable pasta salad, a delightful medley of cooked pasta, crisp vegetables, and a homemade Italian dressing that tantalizes the taste buds. This refreshing salad is not only a feast for the senses but also a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal side dish or light meal for any occasion. With three enticing variations to choose from, you can customize your pasta salad to suit your preferences: a classic version with a simple vinaigrette, a creamy rendition enriched with mayonnaise, or a tangy twist featuring a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that promises to leave you craving for more!
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ITALIAN PASTA SALAD WITH HOMEMADE ITALIAN DRESSING
Steps:
- Place Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well.
- Cook pasta according to packet directions minus 1 minute. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop it cooking further. Shake excess water off well then transfer into large bowl.
- Place remaining Pasta Salad ingredients in the bowl. Drizzle over Dressing and toss. Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 204 g, Calories 430 kcal
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.
EASY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
This salad is easy to make and everyone loves it!
Provided by slopez5084
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 15
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until cooked through yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain. Rinse pasta in cold water until cool; drain.
- Toss drained pasta, tomatoes, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, black olives, and celery together in a large bowl.
- Pour Italian-style dressing over the pasta mixture; toss to coat.
- Chill salad 20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.1 calories, Carbohydrate 27.6 g, Fat 7.4 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 456.2 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
Perfect for a buffet or a barbecue. Customize with your favorite vegetables.
Provided by Wish-Bone
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Wish-Bone®
Time 20m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients except Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing in large bowl. Add Dressing; toss well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 232.9 calories, Carbohydrate 26.2 g, Cholesterol 9.1 mg, Fat 12.2 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 598 mg, Sugar 4.2 g
ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
This zesty Italian pasta salad recipe combines vegetables and pasta in a creamy dressing. Refreshing and filling, this change-of-pace salad is perfect as a side dish. It's always popular at a potluck. —Tina Dierking, Skowhegan, Maine
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 25m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water and drain. Place in a large bowl; add the tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, onions and salad dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight; drain., In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese; stir in the provolone cheese and olives. Gently fold into the pasta mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 371 calories, Fat 30g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 707mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
Tips:
- To make your pasta salad extra flavorful, use a combination of different types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, and macaroni.
- Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is the best choice for pasta salad because it will hold its shape and won't become mushy.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Use a variety of vegetables in your pasta salad. Some good choices include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and olives.
- Don't be afraid to add some protein to your pasta salad. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all great options.
- Use a light and flavorful dressing for your pasta salad. A simple vinaigrette or Italian dressing is a good choice.
- Season your pasta salad to taste with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Let your pasta salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a picnic. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With so many different variations, there's sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will love. Experiment with different ingredients and dressings to find your favorite combination.
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