Best 5 Quick Spiral Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our delectable quick spiral pasta salad, a vibrant and refreshing dish that caters to various dietary preferences. This versatile salad features a delightful medley of spiral pasta, crisp vegetables, succulent chicken, and a tangy dressing, all harmoniously combined to create a delightful culinary experience. Vegetarians can rejoice in the meatless variation, where tender tofu takes center stage, providing a protein-packed alternative. For those seeking a vegan delight, the vegan version offers a symphony of fresh vegetables, complemented by a creamy avocado dressing. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to deliver a burst of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal that tantalizes your taste buds.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

SPIRAL PASTA SALAD



Spiral Pasta Salad image

I have two kids and am always on the go, so I appreciate recipes that I can make ahead of time. This dish is easy to fix and perfect for taking along on picnics.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 cups cooked drained spiral pasta
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped tomato
1/2 cup shredded carrot
DRESSING:
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons ketchup
4 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the pasta, green pepper, celery, tomato and carrot. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 199 calories, Fat 10g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 79mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

COLORFUL SPIRAL PASTA SALAD



Colorful Spiral Pasta Salad image

Tackle gatherings with a bright pasta salad. This tricolor toss-up with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. -Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 package (12 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 pint grape tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) pitted ripe olives, drained
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups Italian salad dressing with roasted red pepper and Parmesan

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions, adding the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse in cold water., Transfer to a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, olives, salt and pepper. Drizzle with salad dressing; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 149 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 513mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

TRI COLOR ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Tri Color Italian Pasta Salad image

Easy recipe for the best Tri Color Italian Pasta Salad. This meal is full of fresh vegetables and only takes 20 minutes to put together from start to finish.

Provided by Pamela

Categories     Main Course     Side Dish

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 8

12 oz box tri color rotini pasta
1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
3 stalks of celery (finely chopped)
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Steps:

  • Prepare your pasta as directed on box. Drain and place pasta in a big serving bowl.
  • Add salad dressing, celery, tomatoes, olives, basil and oregano. Stir to fully combine. Add mozzarella cheese on top and mix again.
  • Cover bowl with lid or plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to chill (at least an hour, can be overnight).
  • Remove from refrigerator and stir to freshen up. If salad looks a little dry (especially if you let it sit overnight), add a tablespoon (or 2) of salad dressing and stir. Serve and enjoy!

CREAMY SPIRAL PASTA SALAD



Creamy Spiral Pasta Salad image

I didn't have any elbow macaroni,so I used spirals instead! So Yummy!Hubby's Favorite!

Provided by Denise Miles

Categories     Pasta Salads

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 6

12 oz package rotini pasta,dry
2 c mayonnaise
3 Tbsp yellow mustard
1/2 c sweet relish
1 can(s) 15 oz. medium pitted olives,chopped
4 celery stalks,diced

Steps:

  • 1. In a large pot,cook pasta al dente'.Drain pasta,Rinse Pasta with cold water,set aside. In a Resealable Bowl,ADD Celery,Mayo,Mustard,Relish,olives,and salt to taste.
  • 2. ADD cooled Pasta to bowl,& Toss to combined! Chill 3 hours or overnight. Keep refrigerated!Enjoy!

DELUXE PASTA SALAD



Deluxe Pasta Salad image

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package tri-colored spiral pasta
1/2 package grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 package provolone cheese, quartered
1 package sliced pepperoni, quartered
1 large bell pepper (any color, I love yellow and orange), cut into 1 inch pieces
1 (10 ounce) can black olives, drained
1 (4 ounce) jar pimentos, drained
1 (8 ounce) bottle Italian salad dressing

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large bowl combine all ingredients except for salad dressing. Add half salad dressing and toss. If serving right away, add the remaining half bottle. If serving later, then pour and mix remaining dressing into pasta salad just before serving (as it get absorbed into the noodles too much if you do it all right away without serving it)

Tips:

  • Select your Spiral Pasta Wisely: Fusilli, rotini, and penne are excellent choices for your spiral pasta salad due to their unique shapes, which hold the dressing well and allow it to penetrate every nook and cranny of the pasta.
  • Prepare the Pasta Perfectly: It's crucial to cook the pasta al dente, achieving a slight firmness that prevents it from becoming mushy in the salad. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
  • Choose Fresh, Colorful Vegetables: Opt for crisp, vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots. Cut them into uniform sizes for even cooking and visual appeal.
  • Use a Flavorful Dressing: The dressing is the heart of any pasta salad. Experiment with different flavors by combining olive oil, vinegar, herbs, spices, and a touch of sweetness. A well-balanced dressing will elevate the entire salad.
  • Incorporate Protein and Cheese: Enhance the salad's texture and flavor by adding protein sources like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, along with grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese.
  • Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb the dressing, resulting in a delicious and refreshing salad.

Conclusion:

With its vibrant colors, textures, and flavors, this delectable spiral pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal. By following these tips, you can create a spiral pasta salad that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Feel free to experiment with various ingredients, dressings, and garnishes to create your unique signature salad that reflects your taste preferences. Enjoy this versatile and flavorful dish as a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire!

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