Best 2 The Pasta Salad Recipes

Pasta salad is a versatile and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover pasta or vegetables, and it is also a perfect dish for summer picnics and potlucks. This article presents a collection of delicious pasta salad recipes that cater to various tastes and preferences.

From the classic Italian pasta salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to the vibrant Greek pasta salad with feta cheese, olives, and cucumber, this article has something for everyone. There are also unique and creative recipes like the pesto pasta salad with grilled chicken, the avocado and bacon pasta salad, and the Asian-inspired pasta salad with sesame dressing. Whether you prefer a light and tangy dressing or a creamy and flavorful one, you are sure to find a recipe that suits your palate. With step-by-step instructions and beautiful photos, these recipes make it easy to create delicious and impressive pasta salads that will be a hit at any gathering.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD

Classic Macaroni Salad image

This classic macaroni salad recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It's perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or festive weekend barbecue. -Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
Dash paprika

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. , For dressing, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, sugar substitute, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, carrot and onion. Add dressing and toss gently to coat. , Refrigerate until serving. Garnish with egg and paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 115 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 362mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

PASTA SALAD

Pasta Salad image

This pasta salad has everything you could want in the bowl: loads of ripe tomatoes, chunks of mozzarella, sliced olives, salami and plenty of fresh green herbs, all tossed in a garlicky, oregano-spiked red wine vinaigrette. Serve it the same day it's made for the brightest flavor and best texture.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories dinner, easy, lunch, quick, weeknight, pastas, salads and dressings, main course, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 8 to 10

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, plus more to taste
1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 pound short-cut pasta, such as farfalle
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
8 ounces mozzarella, cubed (or use small mozzarella balls)
4 ounces sliced salami, cut into 1/4-inch ribbons
3/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
3 tablespoons diced red onion
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley and basil leaves

Steps:

Make the dressing: Combine vinegar, garlic, oregano and a big pinch each salt and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk in oil; taste and add more salt, pepper or vinegar as needed. Set aside.
Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until the pasta is al dente. Drain well, transfer to the large bowl, and toss with the dressing while still warm.
Add tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, olives, cucumber and onion to the bowl and toss well; fold in herbs. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and vinegar, if you like.
Drizzle with olive oil and top with cracked black pepper just before serving.

Tips:

To make the pasta salad more flavorful, use a variety of vegetables. Some good options include cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives.
If you want a heartier pasta salad, add some protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
For a creamy pasta salad, stir in a cup of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
If you want a tangy pasta salad, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or balsamic vinegar.
For a spicy pasta salad, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha sauce.
Serve the pasta salad immediately, or chill it for later. Pasta salad is a great make-ahead dish.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. With so many different ways to make it, there's sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these pasta salad recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!