Best 2 Spicy Summer Pasta Salad Recipes

**Savor the vibrant flavors of summer with our tantalizing Spicy Summer Pasta Salad, a delightful medley of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing. This refreshing pasta salad is packed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet corn, and tender zucchini, all tossed in a tangy dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Discover the ultimate summer side dish or light meal, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch on a hot day. Our recipe collection also features variations to cater to your taste preferences, including a vegan option with a creamy avocado dressing and a gluten-free version with quinoa instead of pasta. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavors of summer.**

Let's cook with our recipes!

SPICY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Spicy Italian Pasta Salad image

This Spicy Italian Pasta Salad needs to be your go to pasta salad recipe for summer! Coated with a spicy sun-dried tomato pesto, it's the perfect recipe to pair with a sweet wine.

Provided by Dorothy Kern

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 pound rotini pasta
1/2 pint grape tomatoes (halved)
2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
1 medium sized shallot (sliced)
7 ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil
2 cloves garlic (peeled)
1-2 teaspoons dried red pepper flakes
1/2-1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

Steps:

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water. Let cool.
Add the pasta, tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, and shallot to a serving bowl.
Make the dressing: add the sun-dried tomatoes (with their oil) to a food processor or blender. Add the garlic, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pulse until sundered tomatoes are finely chopped, then run the food processor or blender while adding the olive oil. Run until a thick sauce forms. Taste, then add more pepper flakes and/or salt to taste.
Toss pasta with sauce.
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 292 kcal, Carbohydrate 41 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 9 mg, Sodium 310 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 3 g

FRUITY PASTA SALAD WITH HERBS

Fruity Pasta Salad with Herbs image

Loaded with fresh fruit and herbs, this creamy, pleasantly sweet pasta salad will become one of your favorite summer recipes.

Provided by lutzflcat

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 cups tri-color rotini pasta
2 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored, and diced
2 fresh figs, chopped
½ cup diced red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons sliced black olives
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 lime, zested and juiced
salt and ground black pepper to taste

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 set aside.
Mix apples, figs, onion, basil, black olives, mint, and garlic together in a large bowl.
Whisk mayonnaise, Pecorino Romano cheese, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, lime zest and juice, salt, and pepper together in a separate bowl.
Add cooked rotini to apple mixture, stir, and pour dressing on top. Mix well and refrigerate, covered, for at least 30 minutes. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 241 calories, Carbohydrate 26.9 g, Cholesterol 10.7 mg, Fat 13.4 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 4.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 174 mg, Sugar 8.5 g

Tips:

Use fresh, seasonal ingredients: This will ensure that your pasta salad is packed with flavor.
Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is the best choice for pasta salad, as it will hold its shape and not become mushy.
Let the pasta cool completely before adding the other ingredients: This will prevent the pasta from absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy.
Use a light, flavorful dressing: A simple vinaigrette or olive oil-based dressing is a good choice, as it will allow the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through.
Add a variety of vegetables and herbs: This will add color, texture, and flavor to your pasta salad.
Don't be afraid to experiment: There are endless possibilities when it comes to pasta salad, so feel free to get creative and try different combinations of ingredients.

Conclusion:

Spicy summer pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a light and healthy meal, give this spicy summer pasta salad a try.