Best 4 The Perfect Picnic Pasta Salad Recipes
## Indulge in a Symphony of Flavors with the Perfect Picnic Pasta Salad
Escape the mundane and embark on a culinary adventure with our irresistible picnic pasta salad, a delightful dish that harmonizes textures and flavors to create a symphony of delight. This versatile salad showcases a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, succulent chicken or tofu, and a symphony of cheeses, all artfully tossed in a zesty dressing that tantalizes the taste buds. With three distinct dressing variations, this recipe offers a customizable journey for every palate, ranging from a classic vinaigrette to a creamy Caesar or a tangy lemon-herb dressing. Prepare to captivate your senses and transform your next picnic into an extraordinary escapade with our perfect picnic pasta salad.
CLASSIC PICNIC PASTA SALAD
Bulk up this delicious pasta salad with broccoli, peas, ham and provolone.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 30m
Yield 4-6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Whisk the mayonnaise, parsley, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper together in a large bowl.
- Cook the broccoli in the boiling water until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander. Run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the broccoli to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Three minutes before the pasta is done, add the peas to the pot. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Add to the bowl.
- Add the ham, provolone, olives, onion and salami to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.
THE PERFECT PICNIC PASTA SALAD
Pasta salad is almost always the most disappointing side dish at the picnic or cookout, but this recipe shows you how to transform what is normally an "afterthought" to a dish that's good enough to enjoy on its own, or as the perfect complement to grilled meat. Top this with extra fresh chopped herbs if you like.
Provided by Chef John
Categories 100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes Pasta by Shape Recipes
Time 3h45m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Whisk Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and cayenne together in a large bowl for about 30 seconds. Whisk in olive oil in 1-teaspoon increments until emulsified. Whisk in tarragon, dill, parsley, chives, and thyme. Remove and reserve 1/2 of the dressing in a separate small bowl.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Add snow peas, carrots, peas, and broccoli about 2 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain pasta and veggies well, but do not rinse.
- Transfer hot pasta mixture to the vinaigrette in the large mixing bowl and toss well to combine. Let rest for 5 minutes and toss again. Toss occasionally until the mixture is almost room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, salt, and the reserved dressing and toss well.
- Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving. Toss and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 491.9 calories, Carbohydrate 50.9 g, Fat 28.1 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 9.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 641.6 mg, Sugar 5.3 g
PICNIC PASTA SALAD
I like recipes that use what we grow. This particular recipe has been handed down in our family for years. I can't go to a picnic without it. -Luana Francis, Columbia Station, Ohio
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 6-8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large bowl, toss pasta, corn, tomatoes, zucchini and olives; set aside. In a jar with tight-fitting lid, combine all of the dressing ingredients; cover and shake well. Drizzle over salad; lightly toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 299 calories, Fat 16g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 427mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
CONTEST-WINNING PICNIC PASTA SALAD
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
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.
Tips:
- Opt for Sturdy Pasta: Choose pasta shapes that can hold their shape well in a salad, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
- Cook Pasta Properly: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but drain it a minute or two before the recommended time to prevent overcooking.
- Rinse Pasta with Cold Water: After draining the pasta, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables add vibrant colors, flavors, and textures to the salad. Choose vegetables that are in season for the best taste.
- Chop Vegetables Uniformly: Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes so that they cook evenly. Smaller pieces will also be easier to eat in the salad.
- Marinate Vegetables: Marinating the vegetables in a vinaigrette or dressing before adding them to the salad enhances their flavor and keeps them moist.
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Choose a flavorful cheese that will complement the other ingredients in the salad. Freshly grated cheese is always best.
- Add Protein: For a more substantial salad, add some protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This will make the salad a complete meal.
- Use a Light Dressing: A light dressing will allow the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through. Avoid using heavy dressings that will weigh down the salad.
- Chill the Salad: Before serving, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to set.
Conclusion:
With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a delicious and visually appealing picnic pasta salad that everyone will enjoy. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your perfect combination. Whether you're packing it for a lunch break, a potluck, or a summer picnic, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit. So pack your basket, gather your friends and family, and head to your favorite picnic spot for a memorable meal surrounded by nature. Bon appétit!
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