Pasta salad is a refreshing and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It's perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. The possibilities are endless when it comes to pasta salad recipes, but they all share a few essential ingredients: cooked pasta, dressing, and vegetables. In this article, we'll share three delicious pasta salad dressing recipes that are sure to please everyone at your table.
The first recipe is a classic vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs. It's light and tangy, and it pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes and vegetables. The second recipe is a creamy Caesar dressing made with mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. It's rich and flavorful, and it's perfect for pasta salads with grilled chicken or shrimp. The third recipe is a pesto dressing made with basil, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. It's herbaceous and nutty, and it's perfect for pasta salads with sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts.
PASTA SALAD WITH HOMEMADE DRESSING
Pasta salad filled with veggies, cheese, and seasoning. Very tasty and versatile -- is great to make ahead.
Provided by BONNIES
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 8h45m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, pepperoni, provolone cheese, red onion, cucumber, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, olives, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
- In a jar with a lid, mix the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, oregano, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Seal jar, and shake well.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad, and toss to coat. Cover, and chill 8 hours in the refrigerator
Nutrition Facts : Calories 442.8 calories, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Cholesterol 38.9 mg, Fat 32 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 15.9 g, SaturatedFat 9.5 g, Sodium 835.7 mg, Sugar 2.6 g
MACARONI SALAD
Macaroni Salad is quick to throw together and so DELICIOUS! A versatile, fool-proof pasta salad with an incredible creamy dressing perfect to take to gatherings, Bbq's, lunches and dinners. Or serve as a popular side dish!
Provided by Karina
Categories Salad
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Bring large pot of salted water to the boil over high heat. Add the pasta and boil until al dente (just fork-tender), or follow packet directions.
- While pasta is boiling, prepare/chop SALAD ingredients and add them to a large serving bowl.
- Mix DRESSING ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain and rinse under cool running water. Drain well and add to the rest of the SALAD ingredients in the large serving bowl.
- Pour over DRESSING and toss well to evenly combine. Adjust salt, pepper and vinegar to taste.
- Set aside for at least 15 minutes to let the ingredients warm close to room temperature and settle into each other before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 kcal, Carbohydrate 34 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 27 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving
VERSATILE PASTA SALAD DRESSING RECIPE
This easy pasta salad dressing is adaptable and versatile. Mix it with your favorite pasta and toppings for a delicious side dish.
Provided by Julie Blanner
Categories Dressing
Time 3m
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Combine ingredients in a jar.
- Shake until it reaches full emulsion.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 87 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 57 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving
THE PERFECT PASTA SALAD DRESSING
This vinaigrette comes from Hooters, the recipe coming from the Top Secret Restaurant Recipes cookbook. So choose your own favorite pasta salad ingredients and use this dressing for a winning combination.
Provided by Bone Man
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 15m
Yield 1 cup
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Blend with a mixer on high for about a minute -- it should be creamy and thick in appearance.
- Refrigerate for an hour or so before using.
- Note: the onion powder quantity is actually a "dash".
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1380.8, Fat 146, SaturatedFat 18.9, Sodium 460.7, Carbohydrate 23, Fiber 1, Sugar 19.7, Protein 1.1
PERFECT PASTA SALAD:
This is an absolutely INCREDIBLE recipe. Every time I've made it I've had to double it and it is still gone in nothing flat. People will beg you for the recipe
Provided by Mrs. Jaye
Categories Kid Friendly
Time 30m
Yield 8-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Mix together dressing first and set aside until sugar is dissolved completely.
- Cook pasta according to box directions and rinse under cold water until cool.
- Slice the sliced pepperoni circles in half and separate slices.
- Mix together with pasta and chopped items, except the provolone cheese.
- Pour dressing over it all and mix well.
- Chill well.
- Add provolone cheese to salad before serving, otherwise it gets soggy.
- You may have to add extra red wine vinegar or olive oil to get it to the desired consistency.
- Some people like it moist, others on the drier side.
- This is guaranteed not to last long before it is completely devoured!
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 595.1, Fat 34.5, SaturatedFat 7.3, Cholesterol 29.4, Sodium 825.6, Carbohydrate 55.9, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 11.1, Protein 14.9
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make all the difference in your pasta salad dressing.
- Balance the flavors: A good pasta salad dressing should have a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors.
- Use a good olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is the best choice for pasta salad dressing, as it has a fruity, peppery flavor that will enhance the other ingredients.
- Add some herbs: Fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme, can add a lot of flavor to pasta salad dressing.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: There are endless possibilities when it comes to pasta salad dressing, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find a combination that you love.
Conclusion:
A good pasta salad dressing can make all the difference in a dish. By following the tips above, you can create a delicious and flavorful dressing that will take your pasta salad to the next level. So next time you're making pasta salad, don't forget the dressing! It's the key to a great dish.
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