Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our refreshing Summer Pasta Salad, an enticing medley of vibrant colors and textures. This delightful dish bursts with the essence of summer, featuring a harmonious blend of cooked pasta, crisp vegetables, succulent grilled chicken, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Every bite transports you to a sun-drenched picnic, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Discover the secrets behind this culinary masterpiece, with variations that cater to different dietary preferences and culinary inclinations. Dive into the classic recipe, featuring succulent grilled chicken, or explore lighter options with tofu or roasted vegetables. For a vegan delight, let grilled halloumi take center stage, while those seeking a gluten-free alternative can rejoice in the symphony of flavors created by using gluten-free pasta. No matter your dietary preferences, this versatile salad promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
Let's cook with our recipes!
GRILLED CORN SUMMER PASTA SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: corn, olive oil, dried orecchiette pasta, cherry tomato, red onion, avocado, fresh cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, honey, salt, pepper
Provided by Rachel Gaewski
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Microwave the corn on a microwave-safe plate on high for 7 minutes. Remove from the microwave, and grip the corn with a dish towel. Then cut off the bottom end with a serrated knife. Slide the corn out of the husk. It should come out fairly easily with none of the silky string mess.
- Brush the corn with olive oil, then place on a cast iron grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill for 5-6 minutes on each side, until the kernels are slightly charred.
- Insert the narrow end of an ear of corn into the center hole of a bundt pan. Holding the corn steady with one hand, saw off the kernels with a serrated knife. The kernels will fall into the pan for easy collection.
- Make the cilantro-lime vinaigrette: Combine the cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, honey, salt, and pepper in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- In a large bowl, add the pasta, corn, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and vinaigrette, and mix until well-combined.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 406 calories, Carbohydrate 49 grams, Fat 21 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 8 grams, Sugar 8 grams
PASTA SALAD WITH SUMMER TOMATOES, BASIL AND OLIVE OIL
This summery dish walks the line between tangy, juicy tomato salad and hearty pasta salad. To make it, ripe tomatoes are marinated with capers, garlic, basil and lots of good olive oil until they almost fall apart, creating a wonderfully soupy dressing for the pasta. Then the pasta is added while still hot to mix; as it cools, it absorbs all the bright flavors. If you can, choose heirloom tomatoes in an array of hues, and serve this in a glass bowl to show it off. Cubes of fresh mozzarella, or bocconcini, make for creamy addition. Add them just before serving, so the heat of the pasta doesn't melt the cheese.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories pastas, salads and dressings, side dish
Time 25m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, capers, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, red-pepper flakes, the whole basil sprig and anchovies if using. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir in 1/2 cup oil. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. The tomatoes should be aggressively seasoned. Let tomatoes marinate for at least 1 hour and preferably 2 to 3.
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until it is just al dente, usually a minute less than the package instructions. Drain well. Add to bowl with tomatoes while still warm and toss well. Let pasta cool, soaking up the dressing. Let pasta sit at room temperature for at least another hour and up to 6 hours before serving. Or chill for up to 24 hours; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Just before serving, gently fold in torn basil leaves. Top with more olive oil and cracked black pepper before serving.
SUMMER FRUIT 'N' PASTA SALAD
I'm always making up recipes, and this refreshing salad came about when I wanted something cool yet spicy to eat during hot summers. Serve it as a meatless main course or as a side dish at barbecues. -Donna Williams, Las Vegas, Nevada
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 14 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and drain. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, salt and hot pepper sauce. , In a large serving bowl, combine the pasta, apples, grapes, celery and mandarin oranges. Gently stir in 1 cup yogurt mixture. , Cover and refrigerate salad and remaining yogurt mixture for 2-3 hours. Just before serving, stir in bananas, walnuts and remaining yogurt mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 199 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 160mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
SUMMER CASHEW CHICKEN GRAPE PASTA SALAD
On many hot summer days, I can't face eating a hot meal. This salad makes a very satisfying meal without overheating the house or me! If I can't stomach the thought of cooking chicken myself for fear of heating up the house on a hot summer day, I just pick up a rotisserie chicken from my local grocer or I pick up grilled cooked chicken from Costco. With pre-cooked chicken, this recipe couldn't be easier to prepare! I've served this many times to rave reviews. I got this recipe from my mother-in-law. It's a dish she picks up from her local deli on a regular basis. If you make it at home, it's much cheaper than the deli!
Provided by Northern Cook
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 15m
Yield 8 1 Cup servings, 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Boil 1 lb. of pasta - al dente - according to package directions (I use rigatoni). Drain after cooking and let cool.
- While the pasta is boiling, wash and halve the grapes.
- Dice the cooked chicken into bite sized pieces.
- In a large bowl or serving platter, combine the cooled, drained pasta with the grapes and diced chicken. Stir in the mayonnaise. I start with one cup of mayo and add more as needed. Really, just add as much as you personally like - it may be more or less than 2 cups.
- Stir in the Lawry's seasoning salt, onion powder and garlic powder. Again, add to your liking. You may want more or less than 1/2 teaspoon of any of these - - it's your choice, go with what you like. Frequent sampling at this point will help you decide what your preference will be so grab a fork and start sampling!
- If the salad is too thick and rich for your liking, stir in a couple tablespoons milk to thin it out. This part is optional.
- This salad is always much better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. This is when I usually add milk to loosen it up a bit.
- Before serving, plate or dish up the salad and sprinkle cashew pieces on top of individual servings. DO NOT put the cashew pieces on the entire salad and refrigerate - - this will cause the cashew pieces to become soft and rubbery and nobody wants that! I just set the can of cashews on the table and let guests help themselves.
- Sit back and enjoy your sweat free cold summer salad!
ASIAN SUMMER PASTA SALAD
This is an easy light supper or lunch pasta salad. It's simple to add chicken, bacon or shrimp to make it a little heartier if you like. Thanks to Jackie for submitting this to our new church cookbook.
Provided by Yia Yia
Categories Spaghetti
Time 24m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- When you cook the spaghetti, break it into thirds or fourths upon dropping it in the boiling water.
- Mix cooked and cooled spaghetti and vegetables in a large bowl.
- Set aside.
- In a small bowl mix the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, pepper (or flakes), ginger root and garlic.
- Whisk to combine.
- Add dressing to pasta and vegetables.
- Stir well to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to combine flavors.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews and cilantro.
ZESTY FETA AND SHRIMP SUMMER PASTA SALAD
This refreshing summer salad is quickly prepared and always pleases a crowd. I like to eat it cold.
Provided by COLLEENMARIE13
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Shrimp Salad Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place the chicken in a baking dish, and roast 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until juices run clear. Remove from heat, cool, and cut into bite-size pieces.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add farfalle pasta, cook 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken, pasta, shrimp, olives, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumber. Toss with balsamic vinegar and feta cheese, and season with salt-free seasoning blend.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 370.7 calories, Carbohydrate 50.2 g, Cholesterol 90.8 mg, Fat 7.8 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 23.8 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 396.8 mg, Sugar 4.7 g
SUMMER PASTA SALAD II
This is the pasta salad that my mom makes. It's even better the day after.
Provided by MENTHA
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a bowl combine cooked pasta, red pepper, zucchini, onion, olives, artichoke hearts, broccoli, salami, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. Toss until well mixed. Pour on one cup of the dressing and mix well. Cool in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- When ready to eat, toss with remaining one cup of dressing, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper and garlic. Garnish with tomato wedges
Nutrition Facts : Calories 504.7 calories, Carbohydrate 24.9 g, Cholesterol 62.8 mg, Fat 36.3 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 20.7 g, SaturatedFat 10.8 g, Sodium 1900.5 mg, Sugar 5.5 g
SUMMER PASTA SALAD I
This is a great pasta salad, light and refreshing and a great family favorite! Has Catalina and Italian dressing, veggies and vinegar that gives it that zing! This is best when prepared the day before to get the full flavor!
Provided by TINA B
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
- In a small saucepan, bring vinegar and sugar to a boil. Boil for one minute.
- In large bowl, combine vinegar mixture, Catalina dressing and Italian dressing. Mix well. Add pasta, cucumber, olives, tomato, onion, carrots, and bell pepper; toss. Season with celery salt, salt and pepper. Refrigerate until serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 478.6 calories, Carbohydrate 60.5 g, Fat 24.4 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 6.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 1021.4 mg, Sugar 24.8 g
SUMMER PASTA SALAD
This classic pasta salad, packed with a bounty of summer vegetables and fresh herbs, is the perfect thing to make after a trip to the farmers' market. Look for the tastiest produce at the peak of its season, like crisp radishes and cucumbers, juicy tomatoes and sweet raw corn. We recommend allowing the pasta salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 45m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.
- Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, 2 teaspoons salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Add the pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, radishes, corn, shallot, parsley and dill. Toss to combine and allow to marinate at room temperature for least 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature.
SUMMER PICNIC PASTA SALAD
This delicious sweet and tangy pasta salad is just bursting with color. It's made with very little mayo, which makes it good for outdoor gatherings. Feel free to substitute 1 cup of any vegetable that you prefer (mushrooms, cucumbers, zucchini, or tomatoes all work well too)
Provided by Kozmic Blues
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 20m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Blanch broccoli and asparagus in boiling salted water, and plunge into ice bath to stop cooking.
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Rinse with cold water and drain.
- Toss pasta with chopped vegetables.
- Mix first 5 ingredients of dressing, and slowly whisk in oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss dressing with pasta and vegetables.
- Chill until ready to serve.
FRESH SUMMER PASTA SALAD
While preparing lunch, I made this summer pasta salad for dinner. It was fast and easy; delicious and colorful. We love to enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies in season. I served this salad with almond crackers and sharp cheddar slices. So tasty! -Cathy Orban, Chandler, Arizona
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water and drain well. Transfer to a large bowl. Add carrots, peaches, tuna, celery, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, salt and pepper. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, at least 3 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 357 calories, Fat 23g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 651mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
SUMMER PICNIC PASTA SALAD
Ideal for summer picnics, this quick pasta salad combines Ready Pasta penne with cherry tomatoes, basil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Provided by Barilla Canada
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Barilla Canada
Time 7m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Tear corner of Ready Pasta pouch to vent, then microwave for one minute.
- Cut tomatoes in half and combine with pasta, adding in Italian dressing and basil.
- Season with salt and pepper and top with cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 332 calories, Carbohydrate 48.6 g, Cholesterol 4.4 mg, Fat 12 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 9.7 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 855.7 mg, Sugar 4.5 g
SPICY SUMMER PASTA SALAD
This spicy pasta salad is bursting with flavor and is liberally dotted with chunks of tomatoes and red and green peppers.
Provided by sal
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, chili powder and parsley. Add the peppers and tomatoes and stir to coat. Add the pasta and mozzarella and toss until evenly coated. Chill until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.2 calories, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 6 mg, Fat 6.8 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 77.4 mg, Sugar 3.5 g
SUMMER SUCCOTASH PASTA SALAD
Provided by Catherine McCord
Categories Pasta Kid-Friendly Quick & Easy Dinner Lunch Parmesan Corn Healthy Weelicious Sugar Conscious Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher Small Plates
Yield 4 Servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, corn, peas, olives and parmesan cheese.
- 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- 3. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to combine.
EASY COLORFUL SUMMER PASTA SALAD
Always a big hit and is very quick and easy to prepare.
Provided by Mary Lee
Categories Pasta Salads
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. In large mixing bowl add pasta , salt/pepper, vegetables, and chesse. Gently toss ... add salad dressing .. mixed thoroughly. Chill for 2- 3 hours. Just before serving mix again , garnish with croutons. (or hard boiled egg slices if you choose) * Optional .. you can place slices of hard boiled egg on top of salad in the center with a spring of parsely. If you choose to do this, mix salad one last time before garnishing.
CREAMY SUMMER PASTA SALAD WITH BELGIOIOSO SHAVED PARMESAN
Fusilli pasta is tossed with sauteed tomatoes, kale, and zucchini and a creamy rosemary-infused dressing. Serve topped with almonds and Parmesan cheese.
Provided by BelGioioso Cheese
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Bel Gioioso
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook pasta in salted water according to the package instructions.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a 12-14 inch skillet or saute pan. Add onions and saute until soft and glassy, but not brown. Add garlic and cook for a minute stirring constantly. Add kale and cook until it is soft but still bright green and textured, about 2 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes and zucchini, season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Drain pasta into a large bowl, add Mascarpone and rosemary, stir well. Stir in the kale-tomato mixture. Top with almonds and shaved BelGioioso Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 462.3 calories, Carbohydrate 54.4 g, Cholesterol 53.8 mg, Fat 22 g, Fiber 5.2 g, Protein 18.2 g, SaturatedFat 13.4 g, Sodium 204.6 mg, Sugar 4.2 g
SUMMER PASTA AND LENTIL SALAD
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 1h20m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In the bottom of a mixing bowl combine the oils, vinegar and Dijon mustard. Pass the garlic through a press into the dressing and season it well with salt and pepper. Add all the ingredients but the pine nuts and toss to blend. Adjust the seasoning; add a bit more of whatever you think the salad needs.
- Top each portion of salad with the pine nuts.
SARAH'S FABULOUS SUMMER PASTA SALAD
This evolved over many a warm summer night in Brisbane. I take it to parties and it's always gobbled up immediately!
Provided by Sarah2
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 15m
Yield 500 grams of pasta salad, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Put pasta on to boil.
- Halve tomatoes.
- Place tomatoes in large bowl with all other remaining ingredients, stir well, cover and leave.
- When pasta is al dente, drain, and then add to tomato mixture.
- The warm pasta will semi-cook the basil and garlic, releasing its flavour.
- Serve immediately, with crusty Italian bread and a nice glass of red wine.
EASY SUMMER PASTA SALAD
I was looking for something easy to make for a Memorial Day picnic. I also found this is good for concerts.
Provided by little lisa p
Categories Summer
Time 2h45m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Boil a large pot of water for the box of pasta. After the water comes to a boil, dump in the whole box of pasta.
- Use a large mixing bowl. Core the tomato. and Slice the cucumber. Cut the cucumber and tomato into small pieces. Then place in the bowl.
- Add the whole can of black olives.
- Once the pasta has cooked, let it cool for an hour. After it has cooled, add the pasta to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Mix the vegetables and pasta. After you have mixed up all the ingredients, Add the bottle of Italian dressing.
- Mix in the Italian dressing. Then add the Salad Supreme Seasoning and mix it up again.
- Finally put in the frig and let it chill for 2 hours. Once chilled, Enjoy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 401, Fat 18.5, SaturatedFat 2.9, Sodium 1064.3, Carbohydrate 51.3, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 6.8, Protein 8.2
PASTA SALAD WITH PEAS AND SUMMER BEANS
Citrusy and cilantro-packed, this Pasta Salad with Peas and Summer Beans dish pairs well with grilled chicken or tuna. It would be equally delicious with mint, parsley or a combination of fine herbs.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water 6 minutes. Add beans; cook until pasta and beans are al dente, 4 to 5 minutes more. Add peas and immediately drain. Run cold water over pasta and vegetables until completely cool; drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- In a small skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add garlic; cook, stirring often, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in lime zest and juice (it may splatter). Add dressing and 3/4 teaspoon salt to pasta bowl; season with pepper. Toss with cilantro. Serve, or refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 day.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 297 g, Fat 8 g, Fiber 9 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 166 g
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli are great for pasta salad because they hold the dressing well.
- Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking it until it is just tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold its shape in the salad.
- Use a variety of vegetables: This will add color, texture, and flavor to your salad. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini, and corn.
- Don't be afraid to add some protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all great additions to pasta salad.
- Choose a flavorful dressing: A simple vinaigrette is always a good choice, but you can also experiment with other dressings, such as pesto, tzatziki, or ranch.
- Let the salad chill before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing.
Conclusion:
Summer pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for hot weather gatherings. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a little planning, you can make a pasta salad that everyone will love.
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