Best 7 Picnic Marinated Italian Pasta Recipes

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**Picnic Marinated Italian Pasta: A Flavorful Delight for Your Next Gathering**

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with our collection of picnic-perfect marinated pasta recipes. From classic pesto to tangy sun-dried tomato and refreshing lemon-herb, these dishes are a symphony of colors and tastes that will elevate your outdoor gatherings. Each recipe is meticulously crafted with fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and a symphony of spices, promising a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you prefer a creamy sauce or a light and zesty dressing, our selection of marinades caters to diverse palates, ensuring that every picnic attendee finds their perfect match. So, pack your picnic basket, gather your loved ones, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.

**Recipes Included:**

* **Marinated Italian Pasta with Pesto:** A classic Italian marinade featuring fragrant basil, nutty pine nuts, and a hint of garlic, creating a vibrant green sauce that coats the pasta in a velvety embrace.

* **Marinated Italian Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Capture the essence of the Mediterranean with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and a tangy vinaigrette that gives the pasta a delightful sweet-and-sour balance.

* **Marinated Italian Pasta with Lemon-Herb:** Refreshing and light, this marinade combines the brightness of lemon with a medley of herbs, creating a zesty and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the pasta.

* **Marinated Italian Pasta with Balsamic Glaze:** Experience the rich and tangy flavors of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of Dijon mustard, creating a luscious glaze that coats the pasta in a glossy and flavorful layer.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

CONTEST-WINNING PICNIC PASTA SALAD



Contest-Winning Picnic Pasta Salad image

My family's not big on traditional pasta salads made with mayonnaise, so when I served this colorful version that uses Italian dressing, it was a big hit. This crowd-pleaser is loaded with vegetables, beans and tricolor pasta. It's one of the best picnic salad ideas! -Felicia Fiocchi, Vineland, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (12 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
1 package (10 ounces) refrigerated tricolor tortellini
1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, undrained
1/2 pound fresh broccoli florets (about 1-3/4 cups)
12 ounces provolone cheese, cubed
12 ounces hard salami, cubed
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 medium red onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 envelopes Italian salad dressing mix

Steps:

  • Cook spiral pasta and tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the artichokes, broccoli, provolone cheese, salami, peppers, beans, olives, onion and garlic. , Prepare salad dressing according to package directions; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 411 calories, Fat 23g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 1156mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

MARINATED ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Marinated Italian Pasta Salad image

When I have guests coming over or a busy day ahead, I like to make this salad because I prepare it the day before.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 12-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package (16 ounces) medium pasta shells
1/4 pound hard salami, cubed
1/4 pound sliced pepperoni, halved
1 block (4 ounces) provolone cheese, cubed
4 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
4 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
1 bottle (8 ounces) Italian salad dressing
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain pasta and rinse in cold water. , Place in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag; add the salami, pepperoni, cheese, vegetables and olives. Add the salad dressing, oregano and pepper; seal and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261 calories, Fat 14g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 704mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

PICNIC PASTA



Picnic Pasta image

A picnic pasta salad with the fresh flavors of veggies and herbs.

Provided by Stacy

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup Italian dressing
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
5 Roma tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 large cucumber, coarsely chopped
1 (6 ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained
1 medium red onion, chopped

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 to cool.
  • Mix tomato sauce, Italian dressing, basil, and oregano together in a large bowl. Add pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion; toss. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 282.8 calories, Carbohydrate 50.8 g, Cholesterol 1.8 mg, Fat 5.2 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 8.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 748.9 mg, Sugar 6.2 g

PICNIC PASTA



Picnic Pasta image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup drained cornichons, chopped
1/2 cup mixed chopped fresh herbs such as tarragon, basil and dill, roughly chopped
1/4 cup drained capers, chopped
4 small inner stalks celery and the leaves, chopped fine
1 small bulb fennel, chopped fine
1 pound short pasta such as casarecce, fusilli or elbow, cooked and cooled
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar and honey in a large bowl. Stir in the cornichons, herbs, capers, celery and fennel until combined. Add the pasta and salt and toss until well coated.

PICNIC PASTA SALAD -- ONE DISH MEAL



Picnic Pasta Salad -- One Dish Meal image

A terrific, portable, one-dish meal made from items you probably have in your pantry and fridge. Good for a packed lunch when you don't want sandwiches (just keep it chilled in the cooler), or good for a cold meal at home on a hot day. Best made the night before.

Provided by 3KillerBs

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 15m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb macaroni, cooked and cooled (or other preferred pasta)
1 -2 cup diced ham (ham you cut from a real ham is leaner than lunch meat ham or other processed ham products)
1/2 lb diced swiss cheese or 1/2 lb diced provolone cheese
1/4 cup minced sweet onion (optional)
1 lb frozen green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces
4 -6 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
12 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil or 1/4 cup canola oil
1/4-1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 teaspoon prepared mustard (I prefer Heinz brown)
1/4 teaspoon celery seed

Steps:

  • Mix all salad ingredients together in a large bowl.
  • Whisk dressing ingredients together until smooth and well-blended.
  • Toss salad ingredients with dressing until well-blended.
  • Let sit, refrigerated, at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Note: Additional vegetables can be added substituted if desired. Frozen broccoli florets or chopped cucumber are particularly good. But if you add a lot of extra veggies you might need an extra half batch of dressing.
  • Note: It is not necessary to thaw the frozen veggies if making it the night before.
  • Note: Fresh beans, snapped to size, can be used raw for a crisper texture or they can be blanched and cooled first.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 490.3, Fat 20.4, SaturatedFat 6.4, Cholesterol 126.7, Sodium 564, Carbohydrate 54.1, Fiber 7.2, Sugar 3.7, Protein 23

THE PERFECT PICNIC PASTA SALAD



The Perfect Picnic Pasta Salad image

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

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ cup cider vinegar
¼ cup rice vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons white sugar
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 pound rotini (corkscrew) pasta
1 cup sliced snow peas
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
½ cup shelled English peas
1 cup broccoli florets
½ cup diced bell peppers
1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
¼ cup finely diced red onion
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

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

PICNIC MARINATED ITALIAN PASTA



Picnic Marinated Italian Pasta image

This is a great make-ahead zesty picnic dish that will please EVERYONE and go with any MEAT DISH! You can alter the ingredients to your personal taste--but here's the basics. I found it in Taste of Home and made a few alterations to our tastes.

Provided by Judikins

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (16 ounce) package shell pasta (other pasta can be used)
1/4 lb hard salami, cubed
1/4 lb sliced pepperoni, halved
4 ounces provolone cheese, cubed
4 celery ribs, chopped
4 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
1/2 cup sliced stuffed olives
1/4-1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
1 (8 ounce) bottle Italian salad dressing (of your choice)
2 teaspoons dried oregano (+/-)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • First, pour yourself a SMALL glass of a good red wine for your effort and enjoyment in preparing this delicatable salad.
  • Next, cook the pasta, el dente; rinse in cold water and drain.
  • Place in large bowl and add salami, pepperoni, provolone, vegies and olives.
  • Add salad dressing, spices and parmesan cheese; toss to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate a minimum of 6 hours but best overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308.8, Fat 14.2, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 21.6, Sodium 703.2, Carbohydrate 34.1, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 4, Protein 11.3

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • If you don't have time to marinate the pasta for the full 6 hours, even a shorter marinating time will still infuse the pasta with flavor.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water last, to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
  • Stir the pasta occasionally while it is cooking, to ensure that it cooks evenly.
  • Drain the pasta well before adding it to the salad, to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Serve the salad immediately, or chill it for later.

Conclusion:

Italian pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a picnic or potluck. With its colorful vegetables, flavorful dressing, and tender pasta, this salad is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a light and easy summer meal, give this Italian pasta salad a try.

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