Best 4 Perfect Pasta Salad Recipes
Pasta salad is a refreshing and versatile dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. It is made with cooked pasta, vegetables, cheese, and a dressing, and can be customized to suit your own taste. This article provides three delicious recipes for pasta salad, each with its own unique flavor profile. The first recipe, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, is inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean region and features sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, and feta cheese. The second recipe, Caprese Pasta Salad, is a lighter and fresher take on the classic Caprese salad, with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil. The third recipe, Pesto Pasta Salad, is a creamy and flavorful salad that is made with pesto sauce, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. All three recipes are easy to make and can be tailored to your own liking. Whether you are looking for a light and refreshing salad or a more hearty and filling meal, you are sure to find a recipe in this article that you will enjoy.
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THE PERFECT PICNIC PASTA SALAD
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
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
MAYA'S PERFECT PESTO PASTA SALAD
My 10-year-old daughter Maya and I created this easy but delicious pasta salad, featuring her favorite pesto flavors. This salad is great as the center of a light dinner, or as a side dish.
Provided by mpkneip
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 1h5m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
- Combine basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, oil, and garlic in a food processor; blend to make pesto.
- Toss pasta with pesto and mix in red onion, radicchio, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 488.6 calories, Carbohydrate 57.6 g, Cholesterol 8.1 mg, Fat 22.6 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 214.2 mg, Sugar 3.4 g
PERFECT SPICY SAUSAGE PASTA SALAD
Gorgeous!! Morish!! ...and the easiest Pasta Salad to make by far!! One helping is never enough!! Prep time does not include the time taken to *cook the Pasta which usually takes about 10 minutes in the microwave. I add plenty of salt and a good dollop of Olive Oil to the water. (I find the Olive Oil flavours the Pasta) 'BEER STICKS' are about the size of Frankfurters, but the meat is like that of pepperoni OR salami. They are called Beer Sticks in N.Z. but there may well be another name used for them elsewhere.
Provided by Karin...
Categories < 15 Mins
Time 8m
Yield 4 cups Pasta Salad (approx)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Cook Pasta in the usual way.
- Drain.
- Mix together the Pasta, chopped Spring Onions and sliced Beer Sticks.
- Add Thousand Island Dressing and mix through.
THE PERFECT PASTA SALAD DRESSING
This vinaigrette comes from Hooters, the recipe coming from the Top Secret Restaurant Recipes cookbook. So choose your own favorite pasta salad ingredients and use this dressing for a winning combination.
Provided by Bone Man
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 15m
Yield 1 cup
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Blend with a mixer on high for about a minute -- it should be creamy and thick in appearance.
- Refrigerate for an hour or so before using.
- Note: the onion powder quantity is actually a "dash".
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1380.8, Fat 146, SaturatedFat 18.9, Sodium 460.7, Carbohydrate 23, Fiber 1, Sugar 19.7, Protein 1.1
Tips:
- Use the right pasta. Short pastas, like penne, rotini, and macaroni, are best for pasta salad. They hold the dressing well and are easy to eat.
- Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold its shape.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water. This will stop the cooking process and help the pasta to cool down quickly. It will also make the pasta less sticky.
- Use a variety of vegetables. This will add color, flavor, and texture to your pasta salad. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
- Choose a flavorful dressing. A good dressing will bring all the flavors of the pasta salad together. You can use a store-bought dressing or make your own. If you're making your own dressing, be sure to use fresh herbs and spices.
- Add some protein. This will make your pasta salad more filling and satisfying. Some good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans.
- Serve the pasta salad chilled. This will help the flavors to meld together and make the pasta salad more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It's perfect for potlucks, picnics, and BBQs. With a little planning and creativity, you can make a pasta salad that everyone will love.
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