Best 6 Sweet Colorful Party Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in a symphony of colors and flavors with this remarkable Sweet Colorful Party Pasta Salad. This vibrant dish is a delightful combination of sweet and savory, featuring a medley of colorful pasta, crisp vegetables, succulent fruits, and a tangy, sweet dressing. From the classic macaroni salad to the unique Asian-inspired pasta salad and the refreshing Greek pasta salad, each recipe offers a distinct culinary experience. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or seeking a light and refreshing meal, this collection of pasta salad recipes will elevate your culinary repertoire.

**Here's a sneak peek into the enticing pasta salad recipes you'll discover:**

- **Classic Macaroni Salad:** A timeless favorite, this macaroni salad features tender macaroni, crunchy celery and onion, and a creamy, tangy dressing.

- **Asian-Inspired Pasta Salad:** Embark on a culinary journey with this exotic pasta salad, featuring a blend of colorful Asian vegetables, flavorful dressing, and a hint of sesame seeds.

- **Greek Pasta Salad:** Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this vibrant Greek pasta salad, packed with sun-kissed tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and a zesty dressing.

- **Sweet and Fruity Pasta Salad:** Delight your taste buds with this refreshing pasta salad, adorned with sweet pineapple, juicy grapes, and a hint of mint, tossed in a light and tangy dressing.

- **Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad:** Indulge in the classic flavors of ranch dressing with this creamy pasta salad, featuring a blend of colorful vegetables and tender pasta coated in a velvety ranch dressing.

- **Healthy Pesto Pasta Salad:** Experience the vibrant flavors of pesto in this healthy pasta salad, featuring fresh basil, pine nuts, and a hint of lemon, tossed with colorful pasta and crisp vegetables.

Each recipe provides detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and cooking tips to guide you through the process of creating these delectable pasta salads. Let your creativity shine as you customize the recipes to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe image

This is one satisfying and flavor-packed cold pasta salad with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, rustic old-world salami, tangy olives, and mozzarella. A zesty Italian dressing brings it all together.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories Salad

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

¾ lb pasta, ((I recommend fusilli or rotini pasta) )
Kosher salt
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 bell pepper (any color, cored and chopped)
1 shallot (chopped)
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (6 ounces)
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
6 pepperoncini, (chopped)
6 to 8 ounces salami, (sliced into bite size pieces )
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, (torn (or mozzarella cheese balls))
½ cup packed chopped fresh parsley
½ cup packed chopped fresh basil leaves
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and black pepper

Steps:

Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until the pasta is cooked to al dante (don't forget to salt your water). Drain
In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the tomatoes, chopped veggies, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients together.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.1 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Cholesterol 26.9 mg, Sodium 748.4 mg, Fiber 2.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

COLORFUL SPIRAL PASTA SALAD

Colorful Spiral Pasta Salad image

Tackle gatherings with a bright pasta salad. This tricolor toss-up with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. -Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 pint grape tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) pitted ripe olives, drained
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups Italian salad dressing with roasted red pepper and Parmesan

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions, adding the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse in cold water., Transfer to a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, olives, salt and pepper. Drizzle with salad dressing; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 149 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 513mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

SWEET MACARONI SALAD

Sweet Macaroni Salad image

A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. -Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
4 medium carrots, shredded
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 cups mayonnaise
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain well., In a large bowl, combine macaroni and vegetables. Whisk together remaining ingredients until smooth and sugar is dissolved; stir into macaroni mixture. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400 calories, Fat 23g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 332mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

COLORFUL PARTY PASTA SALAD

Colorful Party Pasta Salad image

In my catering buisness this is my number one most requested recipe. I make it often and it ends up on all my party tables as it's so pretty. It is also a great way to get kids to eat their veggies!

Provided by GingerlyJ

Categories Kid Friendly

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 pounds, 25-35 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 lb tri-color spiral pasta
1 1/2 cups pepperoni or salami
1 (10 ounce) package feta cheese
2 cups broccoli
2 cups cauliflower
1 1/2 cups carrots
1 cup artichoke heart
14 ounces Hidden Valley Ranch salad crispins
1 (16 ounce) bottle kraft zesty Italian dressing
1 cup cherry tomatoes

Steps:

Cook pasta til al dente.
Fine chop all meat and veggies.
Run cold water over pasta and add to large salad bowl, add veggies, Crispins and Dressing, toss to coat and chill 1-24 hours.

COLORFUL PASTA SALAD

Colorful Pasta Salad image

Make and share this Colorful Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Darcys Diner

Categories < 60 Mins

Time 40m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 (1 lb) box tri-color spiral pasta
1 large red pepper, diced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomato, diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
4 ounces pepperoni, sliced & julienned
8 ounces black olives, sliced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch broccoli floret
3/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons basil
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

First make the dressing & then set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions and rinse under cold water until cool. Add peppers, onion, pepperoni, mushrooms, broccoli, olives, sun dried tomatoes & feta to pasta & toss. Pour dressing over all & mix well. Chill until time to serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 495.2, Fat 29.2, SaturatedFat 8.1, Cholesterol 34.6, Sodium 960, Carbohydrate 46.4, Fiber 3.5, Sugar 9.4, Protein 13.3

COLORFUL PARTY PASTA SALAD

Colorful Party Pasta Salad image

Wow, this a pasta salad recipe! There are a lot of fresh veggies, herbs, cheese, and pepperoni. If that isn't enough, the homemade dressing is amazing and the star of this pasta salad recipe. After pouring the dressing on the salad this chills in the fridge for a few hours and that's where the flavor magic happens. This makes a...

Provided by Megan Todd

Categories Pasta Sides

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 31

Ingredients

ITALIAN DRESSING
2 c olive oil, extra virgin
1 c red wine vinegar
1 whole bay leaf
1 sprig(s) fresh rosemary
2 clove garlic, peeled, whole
2 clove garlic, peeled, & minced
3/4 tsp parsley, Italian
1/2 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp basil, dried
1/2 tsp thyme, dried
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 Tbsp oregano, dried
PASTA SALAD
1 lb pasta, tri-colored fusilli (cooked according to package directions, drained & cooled)
1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
1 large red onion, peeled & diced
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 medium red pepper, diced
1 medium yellow pepper, diced
4 medium roma tomatoes, dices
1 medium stick of pepperoni, paper removed, sliced 1/4 inch thick, then diced
1 can(s) medium black olives, drained & sliced
1-8 oz brick, mozzarella cheese
1-8 oz brick, sharp cheddar cheese
fresh grated romano cheese (add when serving)
1 bunch broccoli florets, chopped
1 sprig(s) rosemary, chopped
fresh oregano to taste, chopped

Steps:

1. To make dressing: In a large glass jar or bottle with a lid, add whole garlic, bay leaf, & rosemary sprig. Add extra virgin olive oil & red wine vinegar. Add all remaining seasonings. Place lid on jar and shake gently to mix well. (Taste dressing & add adjust seasonings to your taste.) Refrigerate any unused dressing. NOTE: Dressing is best if left to sit 24 hours before use. This allows the garlic & rosemary to infuse into the oil & vinegar. Homemade is best, but you can use your favorite Italian dressing as well.
2. Prepare pasta according to directions, drain, cool, & drizzle with a small amount of EVOO & set aside. NOTE: Pasta salad is very versatile, & if it's a last minute request, I make with what I have on hand. I always have fresh vegetables in my fridge, & ingredients for Italian dressing. If I don't have red or yellow peppers, I use extra green peppers. Sometimes I add celery too. It really just depends on what I have on hand. But the recipe herein is by far my favorite way to prepare this wonderful salad!
3. Chop all vegetables & add to pasta, mix in well.
4. Dice pepperoni & cheeses; add to pasta and vegetables. Fold in. Add fresh seasonings to taste.
5. Add Italian dressing & stir well. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving. Best if made the day beforehand.
6. Stir well and add fresh grated Romano cheese just before serving.

Tips:

Choose the right pasta. Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best for pasta salad. They hold up well to being tossed and coated in dressing, and they're easy to eat.
Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it's still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold its shape.
Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking. This will stop the cooking process and help to keep the pasta from sticking together.
Use a variety of vegetables. The more colorful and varied the vegetables in your pasta salad, the more appealing it will be. Try using a mix of roasted vegetables, fresh vegetables, and pickled vegetables.
Add some protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all great additions to pasta salad. They add flavor and substance.
Use a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what really brings a pasta salad together. Try using a vinaigrette, a pesto, or a creamy dressing. A simple combination of olive oil and balsamic vinegar can also be very effective.
Let the pasta salad chill before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing. Pasta salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. It's a great way to use up leftover pasta, vegetables, and protein. Pasta salad is also a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make a delicious and satisfying pasta salad that everyone will love.

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