Best 6 Sweet Tart Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our tantalizing Sweet Tart Pasta Salad, a symphony of flavors that will captivate your taste buds. This refreshing salad combines the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries, the nutty crunch of pecans, and the delicate sharpness of crumbled goat cheese, all harmoniously blended with a creamy homemade dressing. But that's not all; we also present three additional pasta salad recipes that will satisfy every palate. Our Greek Orzo Pasta Salad transports you to the Mediterranean with its vibrant mix of colorful vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. For a hearty and protein-packed option, try our Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, featuring succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing that's simply irresistible. And if you're craving something light and refreshing, our BLT Pasta Salad delivers with its crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy dressing that will leave you feeling invigorated. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our diverse selection of pasta salad recipes, each offering a unique flavor experience that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

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

BEST POTLUCK PASTA SALAD



Best Potluck Pasta Salad image

Homemade pasta salad that's perfect for any potluck or backyard bbq!

Provided by The Chunky Chef

Categories     Side Dish

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 box uncooked short-cut pasta (I used farfalle (but rotini or penne work as well), 16oz)
2/3 cup sliced red onions
1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes (halved (regular cherry or grape tomatoes work as well))
1 cup diced cucumbers
1/4 cup pickled capers (jarred)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 1/2 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
2 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp fresh minced oregano
2 tsp fresh minced parsley
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps:

  • Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil over HIGH heat. Salt the water with about a tablespoon of salt. Add pasta and cook until just al dente (according to package instructions).
  • Drain pasta and toss with a light drizzle of olive oil. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • While pasta is cooling, chop tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Set aside in a large mixing bowl and add capers to the bowl.
  • Add dressing ingredients, except for olive oil, to a bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly pour in the olive oil, and continue whisking until completely combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
  • Add the cooked pasta and crumbled feta cheese to the large bowl with the vegetables. Pour dressing over the top and toss to combine.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, up to 2 days.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 kcal, Carbohydrate 7 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 24 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 16 mg, Sodium 377 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

QUICK AND EASY PASTA SALAD



Quick and Easy Pasta Salad image

This easy pasta salad is flexible based on the ingredients you have in your kitchen or the season. Start with a hearty pasta shape that has nooks and crannies to hold onto the dressing like rotini or penne. Then toss with our simple dressing and lots of colorful vegetables. We also love adding parmesan cheese, which melts into the dressing as well as a handful of fresh mozzarella balls. For more suggestions for what to add, read through our recommendations in the article above.

Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher

Categories     Side Dish, Salad

Time 20m

Yield Makes about 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound dried pasta like fusilli, penne, rotini or farfalle (bow tie)
1 cup sliced bell pepper (1 medium)
1 cup thinly sliced zucchini (1/2 medium)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions (5 to 6)
1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers, optional
1 cup (4 ounces) halved mixed olives
1 cup (2 ounces) grated parmesan cheese or hard cheese
1 cup (6 ounces) fresh mozzarella balls, chopped
1/3 cup fresh parsley or basil, optional
1/3 cup red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 to 3 tablespoons juice from pepperoncini jar, optional
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender, 6 to 10 minutes (check the package for recommended cook time). Drain and rinse well under cold water.
  • While the pasta cooks, in the bottom of a large bowl, make the dressing. Whisk the red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, pepperoncini juice (if using), and the olive oil until blended. Add the drained and rinsed pasta to the dressing and mix well.
  • Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, scallions, pepperoncini (if using), olives, parmesan, mozzarella, and the herbs (if using). Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve or for the best results, cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1/10 of the salad, Calories 363, Fat 19.1g, SaturatedFat 5.1g, Cholesterol 18.3mg, Sodium 507.1mg, Carbohydrate 36.6g, Fiber 2.3g, Sugar 2g, Protein 11.7g

SWEET-SOUR PASTA SALAD



Sweet-Sour Pasta Salad image

Fresh garden vegetables add color and crunch to this attractive salad. Its pleasant vinaigrette-type dressing is sparked with ground mustard and garlic. I like the look of the tricolor spirals, but you can substitute other pasta shapes or use what you have on hand. -Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package (16 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
DRESSING:
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon salt, optional
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Place in a large serving bowl. Stir in the onion, tomato, cucumber, green pepper and parsley; set aside. , In a small saucepan, combine the dressing ingredients. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 137 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 5mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MOM'S BEST MACARONI SALAD



Mom's Best Macaroni Salad image

This is, by far, the best macaroni salad I've ever put into my mouth. It has a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, and it is so pretty with all of the multi-colored veggies. Be ready for this to disappear before you put it on the table! I have six children, and it is all I can do to keep them from nibbling on it while I'm mixing it up!

Provided by Renee Chase

Categories     Salad     Pasta Salad     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 11

16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
4 carrots, shredded
1 large red onion, chopped
½ green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
½ red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups mayonnaise
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup white sugar
½ cup white vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water, and drain.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the carrots, red onion, green pepper, red pepper and celery. Mix in the mayonnaise, condensed milk, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add the macaroni, toss gently, cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. I usually make this a day ahead of time, and stir it occasionally to blend the flavors. The macaroni will absorb some of the liquid.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 424.2 calories, Carbohydrate 45 g, Cholesterol 18.8 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 205.4 mg, Sugar 21.7 g

SWEET AND TANGY PASTA SALAD



Sweet and Tangy Pasta Salad image

June Herke WATERTOWN, SOUTH DAKOTA I'm a retired farmwife and one of 16 children. I learned lots about cooking from my mother. This recipe is my version of a much simpler one.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta
1 medium cucumber, finely chopped
1 jar (8 ounces) whole baby corn, drained and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, drained
1 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
1 cup sliced ripe olives
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
DRESSING:
1 cup canola oil
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the cucumber, corn, artichokes, olives, red pepper and onion. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into vegetable mixture. , In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 332 calories, Fat 19g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 330mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

SWEET PASTA SALAD



sweet pasta salad image

Make and share this sweet pasta salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Kristy Adam

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time 20m

Yield 10-15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package rainbow spiral pasta
2/3 cup sugar (or sweetener)
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup ketchup
salt and pepper
1 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cucumber, chopped
2 -3 green onions, chopped (optional)

Steps:

  • Prepare pasta according to package instructions.
  • Mix sauce together.
  • Rinse pasta in cold water.
  • Transfer to a medium large bowl.
  • Add sauce and vegetables.
  • Toss and refrigerate 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330.7, Fat 11.7, SaturatedFat 1.6, Sodium 92.3, Carbohydrate 50.5, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 16.6, Protein 6.3

Tips:

  • Use fresh, ripe fruit: Fresh fruit will give your pasta salad the best flavor. If you can, try to use fruit that is in season.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will help it hold its shape and not become mushy in the salad.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: Vegetables add crunch, color, and nutrients to pasta salad. Try to use a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and zucchini.
  • Choose a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what brings all the flavors of pasta salad together. Choose a dressing that you like the taste of and that complements the other ingredients in the salad.
  • Let the salad chill before serving: This will help the flavors to meld together and the salad will be more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Sweet tart pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With so many different variations to choose from, you are sure to find a recipe that you love. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give sweet tart pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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