Craving a refreshing and flavorful salad that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further than rotini salad, a versatile dish that combines the goodness of pasta, vegetables, and a tangy dressing. This article presents a collection of rotini salad recipes, each offering a unique blend of flavors and textures to tantalize your taste buds. From classic Italian-inspired salads to innovative creations with unexpected ingredients, these recipes cater to various dietary preferences and cooking skill levels. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as we explore the delightful world of rotini salads.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
CASHEW-CHICKEN ROTINI SALAD
I've tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It's fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews-and ( always come home with an empty bowl! -Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, pineapple, celery, onions, grapes and cranberries. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into chicken mixture., In a small bowl, whisk the ranch dressing and mayonnaise. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, stir in cashews.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 661 calories, Fat 37g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 451mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 23g protein.
RAINBOW ROTINI SALAD
This is a standard for potlucks, and it makes a nice big salad that tastes great!
Provided by Sue H.
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a rapid boil (2 teaspoons of salt can be added, optional). Add rotini. Return water to rapid boil and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain. Rinse in cold water.
- Combine cooked pasta with tomatoes, green bell pepper, onion, cucumber, broccoli, mushrooms, olives and Italian salad dressing. Cover and chill. Toss salad before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 326.5 calories, Carbohydrate 50.2 g, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 9.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 622.6 mg, Sugar 6.8 g
SAM'S MEDITERRANEAN ROTINI PASTA SALAD
One of our local supermarkets had an awesome deal on boxes of pasta and tri-colored rotini was included in their sale. I thought back to my "oh so very poor days" when we would cook a box of pasta, drown it in Italian dressing, and eat it as a meal. When I went looking for a decent Italian dressing to put on it for "old times...
Provided by Maureen Hudson
Categories Pasta Salads
Time 32m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. Prepare 1 12 ounce box of tri-color Rotini pasta per package directions or to desired firmness. I suggest cooking to al dente. Drain in colander, rinse with cold water and set aside.
- 2. Meanwhile, whisk together the mayonnaise, Mediterranean dressing (I use the Wish Bone brand), the optional sea salt (Feta cheese is salty enough for most people), and black pepper until smooth and creamy. If you can't find the Mediterranean dressing, use an oil based good quality bottled Greek dressing. I have made this using both types of bottled dressings and personally think the Mediterranean Italian gives it a better overall flavor.
- 3. Place 1/2 cup of Caesar croutons in a plastic storage bag and either "beat them up" or use a rolling pin to crush them. I've found it's not worth the effort of pulling out the food processor for this small task. Stir the crushed croutons into the creamy mixture.
- 4. Mix in the drained and cooled pasta, Kalamata olives, and crumbled Feta cheese ensuring that the pasta is well coated. If the mixture looks runny, don't fret; the pasta and crushed croutons will absorb the excess liquid. Adding an additional 1/4 cup of crushed croutons would help as well. I've added as much as 1 full cup and found that the next day leftovers were too dry with that amount added. Just keep in mind- the longer this pasta salad sits in the refrigerator while the flavors are mingling, more of the liquid will be absorbed.
- 5. Stir in the optional diced onion and red peppers. Add additional crumbled Feta cheese to the top for garnish if desired and refrigerate for 1-2 hours prior to serving. If the salad is "too runny", try adding an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of crushed croutons.
- 6. Eat and enjoy! I don't like peppers so I don't use them, but I do love the onions for their texture and taste.
WHOLE WHEAT ROTINI PASTA SALAD
Fabulous light pasta salad with carrots, asparagus, tomatoes, and green onions. It gets better the longer it marinates, so don't be afraid to prepare it ahead of time and stick it in the refrigerator a few hours.
Provided by tlabrum
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Tomato Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot with lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Cook rotini at a boil until the pasta is cooked yet slightly firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water until completely chilled; drain completely.
- While the pasta cooks, whisk the apple cider vinegar and olive oil together in a large bowl until blended. Stir feta cheese, basil, salt, and black pepper into the vinaigrette.
- Fold the asparagus, tomatoes, carrots, green onions, and garlic into the vinaigrette to coat evenly.
- Stir the cooled pasta into the vegetable mixture; toss until evenly mixed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 351.8 calories, Carbohydrate 52.2 g, Cholesterol 5.6 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 11 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 125.8 mg, Sugar 7.5 g
RAINBOW ROTINI PASTA SALAD
Oodles of noodles plus plenty of fresh veggies make Debbie Albright's side dish a real meal-brightener. "I sometimes add extra color by substituting red bell pepper for half of the green one," she shares from her Salisbury, North Carolina kitchen.But the secret ingredient in this salad is actually t he sweetened condensed milk."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 12-14 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse in cold water and drain; place in a large bowl. Add carrots, onion, green pepper and celery seed. In another bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 378 calories, Fat 16g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 296mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
ROTINI CHICKEN SALAD
Terrific lunchtime or picnic salad, hearty enough to be a meal!
Provided by nascar3
Categories Salad
Time 2h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Fill a pot with lightly-salted water and bring to a boil. Cook the chicken breast in the boiling water until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 10 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chicken breast should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Cut the breast into cubes and spread in a single layer on a plate; place chicken in refrigerator for 1 hour, or until completely cooled.
- Fill a pot with lightly-salted water and bring to a boil. Stir the pasta into the boiling water; cook until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain, and rinse thoroughly with cold water to cool.
- Stir the celery, Parmesan cheese, green onions, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, parsley, basil, and thyme together in a large bowl. Fold the chicken, rotini, and peas into the mayonnaise mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 501.4 calories, Carbohydrate 33.3 g, Cholesterol 39.1 mg, Fat 34.5 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 7.1 g, Sodium 368.8 mg, Sugar 3.6 g
ROTINI AND BLACK BEAN SALAD
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. While pasta cooks, whisk together vinegar and garlic in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in oil until dressing thickens. Set aside. Drain pasta and rinse briefly under cold water. Drain completely. Place pasta in a large bowl; add beans, tomatoes, corn, green onions, chives, and cilantro. Toss gently. Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss again, gently but thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours. Peel and slice avocado and toss with lemon juice; use as garnish. Serve immediately.
ANTIPASTO ROTINI PASTA SALAD
This is an often-requested recipe around here. I make it in quantity for my kids' team dinners and never have any left!
Provided by Stewie
Categories Vegetable
Time 40m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large salad bowl, put together all the above salad ingredients.
- Make the salad dressing at least 2 hours (preferably the night before).
- Mix all the ingredients together and let them"set".
- This makes more dressing than you need so put only what you need on the salad and toss thoroughly.
ROTINI PASTA SALAD WITH CHICKEN
Make and share this Rotini Pasta Salad With Chicken recipe from Food.com.
Provided by chiggy
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h45m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the chicken breast tenders. Garlic salt, pepper and Mrs. Dash on both sides of the tenders and sautee them in olive oil until done on medium high heat (about 6 minute per side). Remove from pan and let cool.You can chop some of the veggies while the chicken is cooking. Once cool the chicken tenders can be shredded or chopped - your preference.
- Once all veggies are chopped, chicken is cooked, and pasta is cooked and drained, add all ingredients together except for the tomatoes, and toss with Italian dressing.
- Place in the refrigerator until salad is cool. Add the tomatoes before serving so they don't get smushy.
- Serve with a crusty garlic bread and Enjoy!
- "Cook" time is chill time.
ANTIPASTO ROTINI SALAD
Please a crowd with this colorful mix of pasta, veggies and salami in a peppery Parmesan dressing.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 2h30m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook rotini to desired doneness as directed on package, adding broccoli during last 3 minutes of cook time.
- Drain rotini and broccoli; rinse with cold water until cool. In large bowl, mix cooked rotini and broccoli with remaining salad ingredients.
- In medium bowl, mix dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over salad; toss until well mixed. Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours. Stir before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 120, Carbohydrate 15 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 330 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g
GARDEN ROTINI PASTA SALAD RECIPE - (4.3/5)
Provided by á-9102
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Boil pasta. While pasta is boiling, chop veggies into bite size pieces, place in large bowl. Drain and rinse pasta, add to veggies. Add seasonings and dressing. Mix well and enjoy!
GREEK ROTINI SALAD
Make and share this Greek Rotini Salad recipe from Food.com.
Provided by breezermom
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 35m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Cook the rotini according to the package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well.
- Combine the rotini and the next 9 ingredients (through parsley) in a large bowl; toss gently.
- Combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano in a jar. Cover tightly and shake vigorously. Pour the dressing over the rotini mixture; toss gently to combine. Cover and chill thoroughly.
TURMERIC ROTINI SALAD
Turmeric has become quite the "buzz" word, in the last couple of years, and I found a turmeric rotini. It has a nice yellow color, and very mild, if any turmeric flavor. You can start fresh with this salad, or use small amounts of leftover vegetables, if you like.
Provided by Bibi
Categories Fruits and Vegetables Vegetables Cauliflower Fried
Time 1h5m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
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 transfer to a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, toss, and set aside.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add bell pepper, carrot, onion, broccoli, cauliflower, and seasoned salt. Cook, stirring, until broccoli turns a deep bright green and onion is beginning to turn translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Toss vegetables with pasta and refrigerate salad for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cool.
- Remove cooled salad from refrigerator and toss with mayonnaise and balsamic vinegar. Season with more seasoned salt if needed. Garnish with fresh basil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 325.4 calories, Carbohydrate 30.8 g, Cholesterol 7 mg, Fat 20.3 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 150.2 mg, Sugar 3.3 g
RAINBOW ROTINI CRAB SALAD
A refreshing and simple summer salad. Also makes a very pretty presentation. May use more seasoning salt to taste. Enjoy!
Provided by Maddy_2
Categories Crab
Time 30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Drain, rinse and cool.
- Mix dressing ingredients.
- Fold in pasta, crab, green onions, black olives and cheese.
- Refridgerate for at least 2 hours or overnite.
ZESTY ROTINI SALAD
The key word in this recipe is ZESTY! Serves well with any kind of meal, or by itself as a salad for lunch. I add cottage cheese on the side of the dish. Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top is a nice addition, as well. Add zesty Italian salad dressing to taste. For large amounts, don't be surprised if you use an entire large bottle!
Provided by Blondie Bumstead
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place pasta in the pot and cook 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked, cooled rotini with the carrots, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, green bell pepper, green onions, purple onion, broccoli, tomato, and celery. Sprinkle with feta cheese and toss with Italian dressing to serve
Nutrition Facts : Calories 426 calories, Carbohydrate 51.5 g, Cholesterol 18.7 mg, Fat 20.4 g, Fiber 7.9 g, Protein 13.6 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 971.5 mg, Sugar 8.2 g
ROTINI SALAD
Spring is in the air!! Salad days are here again!! Another great salad given to me by an old friend a great cook.... surprisingly delicious and sweet!! I tweaked it a bit, added cheese too. The pic is from the web..the actual salad is red from the ketchup.
Provided by Doreen Fish
Categories Pasta Salads
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- 1. Cook pasta and drain. To cooked rotini add as much of the following as you like....chopped green pepper, chopped tomatoes, chopped green onions and about 1/2 small container of feta cheese. Mix dressing and stir till sugar is dissolved. Pour the dressing over and mix well. Season with s/p to taste. Sprinkle paprika on top.Cover.Let chill for a couple of hours.
RAINBOW ROTINI PASTA SALAD
I just love this pasta salad in the summertime! The fresh crisp veggies make it so refreshing! Enjoy!
Provided by Amber White
Categories Salads
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Cook and drain the pasta according to package directions.
- 2. Run pasta under cold water. Strain
- 3. In a large serving bowl add all the ingredients and toss gently.
CASHEW CHICKEN ROTINI SALAD RECIPE - (5/5)
Provided by á-46330
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook pasta. In large bowl, combine chicken, pineapple, celery, onions, grapes and cranberries. Drain pasta, rinse in cold water, and stir into chicken mixture. In small bowl, whisk ranch dressing and mayonnaise. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Just before serving, stir in cashews.
ROTINI SALAD
A perfect summer salad. Great for potlucks, too. Serve with BBQ instead of potato salad or cole slaw. It gets better the longer it marinates in the refrigerator, so plan on making ahead of time.
Provided by Tamara Martin
Categories Salads
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Combine ingedients. Refrigerate one hour.
FETA AND VEGETABLE ROTINI SALAD
Steps:
- TOSS all ingredients in large bowl. Cover. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and pasta will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad. Look for produce that is in season and at its peak of ripeness.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is the perfect texture for a salad. It should be cooked just until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it.
- Let the salad cool completely before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.
- Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what really brings a salad together. Choose a dressing that is tangy, flavorful, and complements the other ingredients in the salad.
- Add some crunch: Adding some crunchy vegetables, such as celery, carrots, or bell peppers, will add texture and interest to your salad.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: There are endless possibilities when it comes to rotini salad. Feel free to add or remove ingredients to create a salad that you and your family will love.
Conclusion:
Rotini salad is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and pasta, and it can be customized to suit your own taste. Whether you like it simple or loaded with toppings, there is a rotini salad recipe out there for everyone. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give rotini salad a try.
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