Best 4 Tailgate Pasta Salad Recipes

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**Indulge in a Flavorful Tailgate Pasta Salad: A Symphony of Textures and Tastes**

Envision a delightful medley of flavors and textures dancing on your palate – that's the essence of our tailgate pasta salad. This culinary masterpiece is a harmonious blend of perfectly cooked pasta, an array of crisp vegetables, succulent meats, and a tangy dressing that ties everything together. Whether you're tailgating at a sporting event, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or simply seeking a satisfying meal, this pasta salad is guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With three enticing variations – classic, Italian, and Greek – each recipe caters to diverse preferences, ensuring there's something for every palate to savor.

**Classic Tailgate Pasta Salad:**
This timeless recipe embodies the essence of tailgate gatherings. Succulent chicken, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese unite with a creamy dressing, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The addition of chopped celery, red onion, and sweet bell peppers adds a delightful crunch and freshness, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley lends a vibrant pop of color and herbaceousness.

**Italian Tailgate Pasta Salad:**
Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Italy, this pasta salad is a delightful burst of Mediterranean goodness. Sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese bring a tangy and savory dimension, while fresh basil and oregano infuse it with an aromatic allure. The zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing touch, perfectly complementing the richness of the ingredients.

**Greek Tailgate Pasta Salad:**
Transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Greece with this flavorful pasta salad. Tender chunks of grilled lamb, tangy feta cheese, and crisp cucumber lend authentic Greek flavors. Kalamata olives, red onion, and fresh parsley add depth and texture, while a vibrant lemon-herb dressing brings everything together in a symphony of Mediterranean delight.

No matter which recipe you choose, this tailgate pasta salad is sure to be the star of your next gathering. Its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and delectable flavors will captivate your guests and leave them clamoring for more. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary journey that promises to tantalize and satisfy.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

TAILGATE PASTA SALAD



Tailgate Pasta Salad image

Here's a pasta salad dinner packed with veggies - a dish that's easy to make and delicious to eat.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 2h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 oz uncooked gemelli or rotini pasta
1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, thinly sliced (2 cups)
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
4 oz fresh baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon coarse-grained mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 garlic clove, crushed

Steps:

  • Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain well.
  • Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix all dressing ingredients until well blended.
  • In large bowl, mix cooked pasta with remaining salad ingredients and 1/4 cup of the basil. Pour dressing over salad; toss until coated. Cover; refrigerate 2 to 3 hours to blend flavors.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup basil over top of salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290, Carbohydrate 41 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 7 g, Protein 9 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 550 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g

ALLISON'S TAILGATE PASTA SALAD



Allison's Tailgate Pasta Salad image

What makes this a "tailgate" pasta salad? The fact that there are no dairy products in it and it stays tasty and good for hours outside! This has a sweet "tang" to it and is quite addictive. A great compliment to Burgers, ribs, steaks, etc. Much healthier than the traditional creamy pasta salads, I think you'll find it a great...

Provided by Allison Hazell

Categories     Salads

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb mostacoli or rotini noodles cooked and coated with vegetable oil
1 small jar of pimentos
1 cucumber chopped small
1 medium onion, chopped fine
DRESSING
1/2 c vinegar
1 c sugar (although i use 1/2-2/3 cup)
1 tsp accent
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp prepared mustard
1/2 tsp parsley

Steps:

  • 1. Combine/shake vigorously, first 6 ingredients of dressing into a plastic bottle/shaker until fully integrated.
  • 2. Combine the onion, cucumber, pimento and parlsey with the cooked noodles
  • 3. Stir dressing into the pasta mixture until well covered. Chill in refrigerator for an hour or two. Restir pasta salad before serving. This stays good in the refrigerator for up to a week!

CONTEST-WINNING PICNIC PASTA SALAD



Contest-Winning Picnic Pasta Salad image

My family's not big on traditional pasta salads made with mayonnaise, so when I served this colorful version that uses Italian dressing, it was a big hit. This crowd-pleaser is loaded with vegetables, beans and tricolor pasta. It's one of the best picnic salad ideas! -Felicia Fiocchi, Vineland, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (12 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
1 package (10 ounces) refrigerated tricolor tortellini
1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, undrained
1/2 pound fresh broccoli florets (about 1-3/4 cups)
12 ounces provolone cheese, cubed
12 ounces hard salami, cubed
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 medium red onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 envelopes Italian salad dressing mix

Steps:

  • Cook spiral pasta and tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the artichokes, broccoli, provolone cheese, salami, peppers, beans, olives, onion and garlic. , Prepare salad dressing according to package directions; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 411 calories, Fat 23g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 1156mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

WAGON WHEEL PASTA SALAD



Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad image

This salad is simple and makes an adorable and tasty addition to any lunch box.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings (6 cups)

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 ounces wagon wheel pasta
1 heaping cup very small broccoli florets
1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
2 ounces thick-sliced ham, cut into small cubes
1 scant cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
2 scallions, sliced (optional)

Steps:

  • Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. About 30 seconds before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets and corn kernels. Cook for 30 seconds and then drain into a colander. Run cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking. Keep the pasta draining in the colander while you make the dressing.
  • Whisk together the garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
  • Add the well-drained pasta, broccoli, and corn to the bowl, along with the ham, cheese, tomatoes, parsley and scallions, if using. Toss together. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330 calorie, Fat 15 grams, SaturatedFat 3.5 grams, Cholesterol 15 milligrams, Sodium 490 milligrams, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 13 grams

Tips:

  • Use a sturdy pasta that will hold up well in a salad, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
  • Cook the pasta al dente, so that it still has a slight bite to it.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Add the vegetables and dressing to the pasta while it is still warm, so that the flavors can meld together.
  • Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving, so that the flavors can develop fully.
  • Serve the salad with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Conclusion:

Tailgate pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and tailgate parties. It is also a great way to use up leftover pasta. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a tailgate pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy dish to bring to a party, give one of these recipes a try.

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