**Experience a Refreshing Symphony of Flavors with Our Summertime Pasta Salad Recipes**
As the sun shines brightly and the air warms up, it's time to embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with a delightful array of pasta salad recipes. Our collection offers a symphony of tastes, textures, and colors, promising a refreshing and satisfying meal that will transport you to a picnic by the beach or a cozy garden gathering. From classic Italian-inspired salads bursting with fresh herbs and tangy dressings to innovative fusion creations that blend global influences, these recipes cater to every palate and dietary preference. Dive into the world of summertime pasta salads and discover a new favorite dish that will become a staple in your warm-weather repertoire.
SUMMERTIME PASTA SALAD
Nothing says summer quite like a cool pasta salad with loads of vegetables! Best of all, this recipe calls for frozen vegetables, so it's perfect when you don't have time to slice and dice fresh produce.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large kettle, cook pasta according to package directions. Place frozen vegetables in strainer. Pour cooked pasta and water over vegetables to thaw; rinse and drain well. In a small bowl or jar with tight-fitting lid, combine salad dressings, dill and garlic salt until smooth. Place pasta mixture in a large bowl. Add tomatoes and dressing; stir gently to coat.
Nutrition Facts :
SUMMERTIME FUN PASTA SALAD
A light pasta salad both adults and kids will love. This is my own creation I am sure many have already tried. You can add or take away from this recipe. I usually serve crowds of 10 to 20 people, but I love to entertain so I also always serve this, spinach dip, potato and green salad, chip with dip and wings... This dish is always a hit!
Provided by ashleyliebenberg
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Tuna Salad Recipes
Time 1h27m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until cooked through yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain and cool.
- Mix tuna and cucumber together in a salad bowl; stir in cooked bow-tie pasta and ranch dressing. Chill at least 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.1 calories, Carbohydrate 11.2 g, Cholesterol 26 mg, Fat 32.1 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 7.9 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 663.6 mg, Sugar 3.4 g
SUMMERTIME CHICKEN AND PASTA SALAD
This is one of my favorites. My best friend makes this, but I have tweaked it to suit my family's tastes.
Provided by Andrea Parker
Categories Salad Green Salad Recipes Romaine Lettuce Salad Recipes
Time 1h30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Hard boil the eggs by placing them into a saucepan in a single layer. Fill with water to cover the eggs by 1 inch. Cover the saucepan and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, remove from the heat and let the eggs stand in the hot water for 15 minutes. Pour out the hot water, then cool the eggs under cold running water in the sink. Peel once cold.
- 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, and rinse with cold water.
- Simmer the chicken tenders in about 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan over medium-low heat, until no longer pink inside. Remove the tenders from the water, and set aside to cool.
- Cut the tenders into bite-size pieces. Slice the eggs. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, eggs, cucumber, radishes, carrots, green onions, and red onion in a salad bowl, and pour the Italian dressing over. Toss lightly to mix, and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, or until cold.
- Place about 3/4 cup of sliced romaine hearts on each plate, then top with about 1 cup of pasta-chicken salad to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 541.6 calories, Carbohydrate 67.7 g, Cholesterol 195 mg, Fat 18.4 g, Fiber 6.7 g, Protein 29.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 732.6 mg, Sugar 9.6 g
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta. Short pastas, like penne, shells, or rotini, are ideal for pasta salads because they hold the dressing well. You can also use long pastas, like spaghetti or linguine, but you'll need to cut them into shorter pieces before adding them to the salad.
- Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold its shape well in the salad.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water. This will stop the cooking process and help the pasta to cool down quickly. You can also add some ice to the water to help the pasta cool down even faster.
- Use a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what will bring all the flavors of the pasta salad together. You can use a store-bought dressing or make your own. If you're making your own dressing, be sure to use fresh herbs and spices.
- Add a variety of vegetables. Vegetables add color, crunch, and nutrients to pasta salads. You can use any vegetables you like, but some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, corn, and zucchini.
- Add some protein. Protein helps to make pasta salads more filling and satisfying. You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans to your salad.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. Pasta salads are a great way to use up leftover ingredients and experiment with new flavors. So feel free to get creative and have fun with your recipes.
Conclusion:
Pasta salads are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed all summer long. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or backyard barbecues. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these summertime pasta salad recipes a try.
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