Best 2 Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in a culinary adventure with Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad, a delectable dish that combines the vibrant flavors of Italy with the hearty goodness of American comfort food. This tantalizing salad features wagon wheel pasta, a unique spiral-shaped pasta that resembles the wheels of a wagon, tossed in a creamy Italian dressing. The pasta salad is packed with an array of colorful and flavorful ingredients, including crisp bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, savory ham, and creamy mozzarella cheese. With its vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Additional recipes included in this article offer variations on the classic Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad, each with its own unique twist. For those who prefer a lighter option, there's a recipe for a refreshing Lemon-Herb Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad, dressed with a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. If you're craving a more substantial meal, try the hearty Chicken and Bacon Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad, loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing. And for a vegetarian delight, the article features a recipe for a flavorfulRoasted Vegetable Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad, filled with a medley of roasted vegetables and tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

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

Ingredients

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

WAGON WHEEL PASTA SALAD

Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad image

Summertime gatherings aren't complete without a refreshing pasta salad. This tasty version features a mayonnaise and picante dressing. It may become one of your favorite side dishes for tacos, too! -Kathryn Donahey, Oil City, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked wagon wheel pasta or elbow macaroni
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 small green pepper, julienned
1 small sweet red pepper, julienned
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup picante sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, beans, cheese, tomatoes, peppers and onions., In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, picante sauce, salt and cumin; pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 207 calories, Fat 13g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 374mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

Tips:

Use high-quality pasta: Wagon wheel pasta is a great choice for this salad because it holds its shape well and cooks evenly. Look for a brand that uses durum wheat flour and has a slightly al dente texture.
Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian and refers to pasta that is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. This will help the pasta to hold its shape and not become mushy in the salad.
Use a variety of vegetables: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Some good options include bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, and celery.
Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what really brings this salad together. Be sure to use a dressing that is flavorful and tangy. A good option is a vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Serve the salad chilled: This salad is best served chilled. This will help the flavors to meld together and the pasta to firm up.

Conclusion:

Wagon wheel pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. With its colorful vegetables, flavorful dressing, and al dente pasta, this salad is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing salad, give this wagon wheel pasta salad a try.