Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our tantalizing picnic pasta salad, a delectable vegan dish perfect for delightful outdoor gatherings. This vibrant salad boasts an array of colorful ingredients, including tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a medley of fresh herbs, all harmoniously combined in a zesty dressing.
This recipe offers two exquisite variations to cater to diverse preferences. The first variant features a creamy avocado dressing, while the second option delights with a tangy lemon-tahini dressing. Both dressings create a burst of flavors that elevate the salad to a culinary masterpiece.
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with our comprehensive guide, meticulously outlining each step of the preparation. Discover the art of cooking pasta al dente, achieving the perfect balance between firmness and tenderness. Learn the secrets of selecting the freshest vegetables, ensuring optimal texture and flavor.
Our detailed instructions guide you through the process of creating the two delectable dressings, ensuring a smooth and creamy avocado dressing or a zesty lemon-tahini dressing, both bursting with vibrant flavors.
With our guidance, you'll effortlessly assemble this delightful salad, layering the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and fresh herbs in a harmonious arrangement. The final touch comes with a drizzle of your chosen dressing, transforming this salad into a visually stunning and taste-tempting dish.
Join us on this culinary adventure as we unveil the secrets behind this extraordinary picnic pasta salad. Experience the joy of creating a dish that will captivate your taste buds and become a cherished favorite among your loved ones.
PICNIC PASTA SALAD (VEGAN)
This is a salad that is easy to vary and also transports well. I am still perfecting the quantities.
Provided by Mindelicious
Categories Corn
Time 15m
Yield 3 1/2 cups, 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Mix the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- Stir the dressing ingredients together and let sit for a couple minutes.
- Pour dressing over the salad and coat all the veggies and pasta. You can let it marinate or enjoy immediately!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 376.6, Fat 15.4, SaturatedFat 2.2, Sodium 277.8, Carbohydrate 50.1, Fiber 8.9, Sugar 8.3, Protein 12
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
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta: A sturdy pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli will hold up well in a picnic pasta salad.
- Cook the pasta al dente: This will prevent it from becoming too soft and mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Use a variety of vegetables: Add a variety of colorful vegetables to your salad, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Don't overdress the salad: A light dressing will help to keep the salad from becoming too heavy.
- Pack the salad carefully: When packing the salad for a picnic, be sure to keep it in a cool, airtight container.
Conclusion:
Picnic pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any outdoor gathering. With its vibrant colors, variety of textures, and flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone. So next time you're planning a picnic, be sure to give this recipe a try.
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