Pasta salad is a refreshing and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light meal or a side dish. It is typically made with cooked pasta, vegetables, cheese, and a dressing, and can be customized to suit your own taste preferences. This article presents three delicious pasta salad recipes that are sure to please everyone, ranging from a classic Italian pasta salad to a Greek-inspired salad with feta cheese and kalamata olives. Each recipe is easy to follow and includes detailed instructions, making it perfect for both experienced and beginner cooks. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, these pasta salad recipes are sure to deliver.
Let's cook with our recipes!
ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE
This is one satisfying and flavor-packed cold pasta salad with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, rustic old-world salami, tangy olives, and mozzarella. A zesty Italian dressing brings it all together.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Salad
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until the pasta is cooked to al dante (don't forget to salt your water). Drain
- In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the tomatoes, chopped veggies, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients together.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.1 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Cholesterol 26.9 mg, Sodium 748.4 mg, Fiber 2.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving
QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
A quick and flavorful pasta salad with salami and bell peppers.
Provided by Trish
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 10
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 until cool.
- Combine pasta, salami, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, salad dressing, olives, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. Mix dry salad dressing into pasta; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 370.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.2 g, Cholesterol 46 mg, Fat 21 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 1893.1 mg, Sugar 5.4 g
PASTA SALAD WITH MOZZARELLA, SUN-DRIED TOMATOES AND OLIVES
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Blend first 5 ingredients in processor until tomatoes are coarsely chopped. Set dressing aside.
- Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Transfer to large bowl. Add dressing to hot pasta; toss to coat. Cool, stirring occasionally. Add chopped fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, Parmesan and olives; toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
PASTA SALAD WITH SPINACH, OLIVES, AND MOZZARELLA
From Chowhound. The briny flavor of olives combines with creamy mozzarella and a tangy vinaigrette for a pasta salad that's a shoo-in for everything from brown-bag lunches to summer picnics.
Provided by Katzen
Categories High In...
Time 25m
Yield 6 , 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a medium pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to the package directions, or until al dente. Drain, then rinse under cold water until cool.
- Transfer pasta to a large bowl and add mozzarella, spinach, olives, and Parmesan. Toss to combine.
- In a separate, nonreactive bowl, combine vinegar, salt, and pepper. While whisking constantly, slowly add oil by pouring in a thin stream down the side of the bowl. Whisk until completely incorporated.
- Pour vinaigrette over salad and toss until pasta is coated. Taste, adjust seasoning as desired, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 631, Fat 31.5, SaturatedFat 10.4, Cholesterol 44.6, Sodium 1337.3, Carbohydrate 61.1, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 2.6, Protein 25.4
PASTA SALAD WITH MOZZARELLA, OLIVES AND TOMATOES
This salad is wonderful to make in the summer when tomatoes are ripe and basil is fresh! Take this salad along to your next picnic, barbecue or potluck. *** This is based on the review. this salad is not meant to be served warm. It should be allowed to chill several hours to let the flavors meld.
Provided by Little Bee
Categories European
Time 30m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine the mozzarella, tomatoes, olives.
- In a tight fitting jar compine garlic, basil, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper and shake.
- Set aside.
- Meanwhile bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Drain well.
- Add the pasta to the mozzarella and tomato.
- Pour dressing (use all or less according to taste) mixture over Pasta mixture and toss well.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Serves 6 to 8.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 734, Fat 29.6, SaturatedFat 8, Cholesterol 29.9, Sodium 348.6, Carbohydrate 92.2, Fiber 5.7, Sugar 5.6, Protein 24.6
CLASSIC PASTA SALAD WITH MOZZARELLA, AVOCADO AND BASIL
With its colorful jumble of tomatoes, avocado, olives, mozzarella and cucumber, this has everything you've ever wanted in a pasta salad. But feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your own tastes (see Tip), and to add lemon and salt to the dressing to taste. As long as you don't overcook the pasta, and add it while still hot to the dressing, you really can't go wrong. Make this a few hours ahead so the flavors have a chance to meld, but be sure not to add the avocado until just before serving.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories lunch, pastas, salads and dressings, side dish
Time 25m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- To prepare the dressing, in a large bowl, whisk together shallot, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk in oil. Taste and add more salt and-or lemon juice if needed.
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until it is just al dente, usually a minute less than the package instructions. Drain well. While still warm, add the pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss well. Let pasta cool, soaking up the dressing.
- In a medium bowl, gently toss together avocado, lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
- Just before serving, add tomato, cucumber, mozzarella and Parmesan to the bowl with the pasta and toss well. Gently fold in avocado and basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil, cracked black pepper and salt to taste before serving.
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta: Short pasta like penne, farfalle, or fusilli are ideal for pasta salads as they hold the sauce and toppings well.
- Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking it just until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the salad.
- Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what brings the pasta salad together, so make sure it's flavorful and well-balanced. A good rule of thumb is to use one part acid (such as vinegar or lemon juice) to three parts oil.
- Don't skimp on the vegetables: Vegetables add color, crunch, and nutrients to pasta salad. Use a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives.
- Add some protein: Protein helps to make the pasta salad more filling and satisfying. Good options for protein include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Don't forget the cheese: Cheese adds a delicious richness and creaminess to pasta salad. Use a hard cheese like Parmesan or Asiago, or a soft cheese like mozzarella or feta.
- Chill the pasta salad before serving: This helps the flavors to meld and makes the salad more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad with olives and mozzarella is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love