Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our Ranch Picnic Pasta Salad that's perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Featuring a delightful medley of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, savory bacon, and a tangy ranch dressing, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. Dive into the vibrant colors and textures of bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, all tossed in a creamy and flavorful dressing. Discover a burst of savory goodness with the addition of crispy bacon and a hint of zesty herbs. This versatile salad offers endless variations, allowing you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Explore additional recipes within the article, including a zesty Italian Dressing Pasta Salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors, a refreshing Greek Pasta Salad with feta cheese and olives, and a classic Caesar Pasta Salad with a creamy and cheesy dressing. Get ready to elevate your picnic experience with these flavorful pasta salad recipes that will leave you and your loved ones craving for more.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CONTEST-WINNING PICNIC PASTA SALAD
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
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.
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
RANCH, BACON, AND PARMESAN PASTA SALAD
A great side dish for the summer picnic. I made this on accident when I put some soup ingredients into the bowl instead of the stock pot. I doctored it up and added other ingredients, and voila! Use your favorite pasta shape.
Provided by Chef John Politte
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Farfalle Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 2h45m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the bow tie pasta and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink. Transfer to a bowl, and refrigerate until cool, at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, let cool, and chop.
- In a large salad bowl, stir together the ranch dressing, bacon, Parmesan cheese, carrot, celery, and red onion until well combined. Lightly stir in the cooled pasta to coat with dressing, and refrigerate 2 hours to blend flavors before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 583.8 calories, Carbohydrate 62.8 g, Cholesterol 26.8 mg, Fat 28.3 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 17.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 712.7 mg, Sugar 4.1 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables, crisp bacon, and a flavorful dressing will make all the difference.
- Don't overcook the pasta. It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become more refreshing.
- Serve the pasta salad with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped nuts, or crumbled bacon. This will allow your guests to customize their salads to their liking.
Conclusion:
Ranch picnic pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any summer gathering. It is easy to make, can be tailored to your own taste preferences, and is always a crowd-pleaser. So next time you are looking for a side dish for your next picnic, potluck, or barbecue, give ranch picnic pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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