Best 2 Seashell Pasta Salad Recipes

**Seashell Pasta Salad: A Medley of Flavors in a Vibrant Summer Dish**

As the sun shines brightly, inviting you to create a refreshing meal, look no further than the delightful Seashell Pasta Salad. This vibrant dish marries the playful shape of seashell pasta with an orchestra of flavors, textures, and colors. Dive into a symphony of crisp vegetables, succulent meats, and tangy dressings, all harmonizing in a symphony of culinary delight. From the classic Italian Dressing to the creamy Pesto Dressing, each recipe offers a unique journey, promising to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a summer oasis.

**Recipes Included:**

1. **Classic Italian Dressing:** Embark on a culinary adventure to the heart of Italy with this timeless dressing, where aromatic herbs intertwine with tangy vinegar and a hint of sweetness.

2. **Creamy Pesto Dressing:** Immerse yourself in a symphony of flavors as creamy mayonnaise, nutty Parmesan, and vibrant basil unite, creating a velvety dressing that will elevate your salad to new heights.

3. **Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette:** Bask in the sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean with this tangy vinaigrette, where sun-dried tomatoes, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs dance together, creating a vibrant dressing that will invigorate your salad.

4. **Lemon Herb Dressing:** Experience the refreshing burst of citrus and herbs in this zesty dressing, where tangy lemon, aromatic thyme, and fragrant parsley blend seamlessly, bringing a burst of brightness to your salad.

5. **Honey Mustard Dressing:** Embark on a journey of sweet and tangy delight with this creamy dressing, where sweet honey, tangy mustard, and a touch of acidity come together in a perfect balance, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SEASHELL PASTA AND TUNA SALAD

Seashell Pasta and Tuna Salad image

I love tuna salad. This one is a little different from my old stand-by in that it uses dill pickles instead of sweet pickles. The combination of ingredients tasted good to me.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

8 ounces small shell pasta, cooked as directed on package and drained
1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1 (6 ounce) can albacore tuna in water, drained
1/4 cup diced dill pickle
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
chopped lettuce
2 tomatoes, cut into wedges

Steps:

In a large mixing bowl, add the first 5 ingredients; stir to mix.
Add in mayo, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.
Line individual salad plates with lettuce; mound tuna salad on top; garnish with tomato wedges.

SEASHELL PASTA SALAD

Seashell Pasta Salad image

I frequently rely on this easy, crowd-pleasing pasta salad. With plenty of colorful veggies, it goes over big every time I serve it.-Renee Durell, Fairy Glen, Saskatchewan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 4-6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 medium green pepper, diced
1/4 cup chopped cucumber
1 green onion, sliced
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons ketchup
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large serving bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, green pepper, cucumber and onion. , In a small bowl, whisk the sugar, oil, ketchup, vinegar, salt, paprika and pepper until smooth. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 219 calories, Fat 10g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 179mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

Tips:

Choose the right pasta: Small, sturdy pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rotini are ideal for pasta salad because they can hold up to the dressing and other ingredients without getting mushy.
Cook the pasta al dente: Pasta should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. This will prevent it from becoming overcooked and mushy in the salad.
Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what really makes a pasta salad shine, so don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs is a classic choice, but you can also try a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise or yogurt, or a pesto dressing made with basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
Add plenty of vegetables: Vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrition to pasta salad. Some popular choices include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. You can also add leafy greens like spinach or arugula.
Don't forget the protein: Protein helps to make pasta salad a more satisfying meal. Some popular choices include grilled chicken or shrimp, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs.
Chill the salad before serving: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld and helps to prevent the pasta from becoming overcooked. Serve the salad within 2 hours of making it.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a picnic. With so many different variations, there's sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give pasta salad a try.