Best 2 Tricolor Pasta Salad Recipes

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**Tricolor Pasta Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Summer Dish**

Tricolor pasta salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks. It is made with a combination of colorful pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great choice for any occasion.

This article provides three variations of tricolor pasta salad, each with its own unique flavor profile. The classic tricolor pasta salad is made with a simple vinaigrette dressing, while the Greek tricolor pasta salad features a tangy dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. The pesto tricolor pasta salad is a creamy and flavorful option that is sure to please everyone. With so many variations to choose from, there's sure to be a tricolor pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy.

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

TRICOLOR PASTA SALAD



Tricolor Pasta Salad image

To accompany the sandwiches, serve Tricolor Pasta Salad from Lorraine Darocha of Berkshire, Massachusetts. Pretty pasta spirals and convenient frozen veggies are tossed with a light dressing to make this colorful medley. "For vegetarians, you can add protein-rich chickpeas or beans to make it a main dish," Lorraine recommends.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 package (16 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
1 package (16 ounces) frozen California-blend vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots)
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 to 1-1/3 cups Italian salad dressing
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, optional

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, place vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave at 50% power for 5-1/2 to 6-1/2 minutes or until thawed; drain. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. In a bowl, combine the pasta, vegetables and olives. , Combine salad dressing and garlic salt if desired; pour over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 calories, Fat 13g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 599mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

HERBED TRICOLOR PASTA SALAD



Herbed Tricolor Pasta Salad image

Categories     Salad     Dairy     Herb     Pasta     Fourth of July     Quick & Easy     Yogurt     Summer     Gourmet

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar, or to taste
3/4 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
1 large red onion, quartered and sliced thin
3/4 cup finely chopped assorted fresh herbs such as basil, dill, and chives
1 1/2 pounds tricolor pasta such as penne or fusilli

Steps:

  • In a large bowl whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, parsley, onion, and herbs.
  • In a kettle of boiling salted water cook pasta until tender, about 12 minutes. In a large colander drain pasta and rinse well under cold water. Drain pasta well and toss with dressing and salt and pepper to taste. Pasta salad may be made 4 hours ahead and chilled, covered. If pasta absorbs dressing while standing, toss with about 3 tablespoons warm water.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality pasta for the best flavor and texture. Look for pasta made from durum wheat, which has a higher protein content and holds its shape better when cooked.
  • Cook the pasta al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your salad for color, flavor, and texture. Some good options include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and zucchini.
  • Choose a flavorful dressing for your salad. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs is a good option.
  • Add some protein to your salad to make it a more complete meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all good options.
  • Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later. If you are chilling the salad, be sure to stir it before serving so that the dressing is evenly distributed.

Conclusion:

Tricolor pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is also a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables. With a few simple tips, you can make a tricolor pasta salad that is sure to impress your friends and family.

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