Best 2 Worlds Best Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in a culinary journey with our enticing pasta salad recipes, a delectable symphony of flavors and textures. Dive into "The World's Best Pasta Salad," a harmonious blend of vibrant vegetables, succulent chicken, and tender pasta, all tossed in a zesty dressing. For a vegetarian delight, explore the "Easy Vegetarian Pasta Salad," where roasted vegetables take center stage, complemented by a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. If you crave a touch of Italian flair, the "Caprese Pasta Salad" awaits you. Bursting with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, it's a summery delight. Craving a creamy indulgence? The "Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad" is calling your name, featuring crispy bacon and a rich, creamy ranch dressing. Last but not least, the "Greek Pasta Salad" invites you to a Mediterranean feast, with its medley of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and savory olives, all drizzled in a refreshing lemon-herb dressing. Embrace the culinary adventure and discover your new favorite pasta salad!

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

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe image

This is one satisfying and flavor-packed cold pasta salad with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, rustic old-world salami, tangy olives, and mozzarella. A zesty Italian dressing brings it all together.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories Salad

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

¾ lb pasta, ((I recommend fusilli or rotini pasta) )
Kosher salt
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 bell pepper (any color, cored and chopped)
1 shallot (chopped)
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (6 ounces)
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
6 pepperoncini, (chopped)
6 to 8 ounces salami, (sliced into bite size pieces )
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, (torn (or mozzarella cheese balls))
½ cup packed chopped fresh parsley
½ cup packed chopped fresh basil leaves
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and black pepper

Steps:

Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until the pasta is cooked to al dante (don't forget to salt your water). Drain
In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the tomatoes, chopped veggies, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients together.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.1 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Cholesterol 26.9 mg, Sodium 748.4 mg, Fiber 2.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

BEST EVER PASTA SALAD

Best Ever Pasta Salad image

Yummy penne pasta recipe with cucumbers, tomatoes and seasonings. So easy it's worth a try.

Provided by ILOVETOCOOK

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package dry penne pasta
2 large cucumbers, peeled and cubed
2 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
2 cups mayonnaise
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
3 tablespoons dried dill weed
2 tablespoons lemon pepper

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Combine pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, mayonnaise, sour cream, dill weed and lemon pepper. Serve as is or chill for 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 537.8 calories, Carbohydrate 37.6 g, Cholesterol 26.7 mg, Fat 40.9 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 7.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.4 g, Sodium 545 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

Tips:

Use high-quality pasta. The type of pasta you use will make a big difference in the overall flavor and texture of your salad. Choose a pasta that is made with durum wheat and has a good bite to it.
Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking the pasta until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and will not hold up well in the salad.
Cool the pasta before adding it to the salad. This will help to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing and becoming soggy.
Use a variety of vegetables. The more vegetables you use, the more flavorful and nutritious your salad will be. Some good choices include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and celery.
Add some protein. Protein will help to make your salad more filling and satisfying. Some good choices include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Use a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what will really bring your salad together. Choose a dressing that is flavorful and complements the other ingredients in the salad.
Garnish with fresh herbs. Fresh herbs will add a pop of color and flavor to your salad. Some good choices include basil, parsley, and cilantro.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a picnic. It is also a great way to use up leftover pasta. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these pasta salad recipes a try.