Best 2 Zesty Cold Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge your taste buds with our tantalizing Zesty Cold Pasta Salad, a refreshing medley of flavors that will transport you to a Mediterranean paradise. This vibrant salad combines tender cooked pasta, a symphony of crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing that bursts with citrusy brightness. Dive into the delightful crunch of bell peppers, the sweet tang of cherry tomatoes, the crispness of cucumber, and the aromatic allure of red onion. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, complemented by the tangy bite of feta cheese and the herbaceous freshness of parsley. Discover variations of this classic salad, including a vibrant Greek-inspired version, a creamy avocado and bacon-infused rendition, and a tantalizing sun-dried tomato and pesto combination. Whichever recipe you choose, savor the symphony of flavors in every bite.

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

ZESTY COLD CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Zesty Cold Chicken Pasta Salad image

A quick, easy, tasty, and colorful chicken pasta salad that looks as great as it tastes. Serve at room temperature or cool for at least 1 hour.

Provided by Krysie

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 23m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (8 ounce) package rotini pasta
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
½ teaspoon dried mustard
24 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 (15 ounce) can peas, drained
2 (5 ounce) cans chicken packed in water, drained
1 pinch paprika

Steps:

  • 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. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Mix mayonnaise, lemon pepper seasoning, and dried mustard together in a large bowl. Mix in cherry tomatoes, peas, and chicken. Fold in rotini. Sprinkle paprika over salad before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 446.7 calories, Carbohydrate 69.3 g, Cholesterol 44 mg, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 27.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 1102.4 mg, Sugar 12.8 g

ZESTY COLD PASTA SALAD



Zesty Cold Pasta Salad image

There are many ways to make this however i haven't found one on here. I didn't look too hard but the way I make it is not listed. Feel free to add and remove the veggies you do not like or just use what you have on hand I'm doing the basic structure of how i do this for a cheap quick side dish to any meal. You can buy the suddenly salads and make it too. Please note: 2oz is the average sizes for pasta.. i suggest using your best judgement in how much you want to make I scale it up slightly so I can have left overs with left over chicken added in for a great lunch.

Provided by Pril4904

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 ounces pasta (any type)
1 medium cucumber
1 large tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
1 medium bell pepper
4 sprigs flat leaf parsley (use the stems too)
1 small onion (optional)
2 tablespoons Italian dressing (i use zesty Italian dressing just ensure it's coated on everything some use olive oil)

Steps:

  • boil water add salt to water if you desire (i also add a bit of oil) add pasta once boiling. cook till pasta is to your liking.
  • While the pasta is cooking, Cut up your cucumber, tomatoes, pepper, parsley into bit sized pieces. Place them your dish to mix and serve.
  • drain the pasta, and run them over cold water. Drain more.
  • Check pasta to ensure it's cold add to bowl adding the Italian dressing mix and serve. (note always better the next day).

Tips:

  • Select the right pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or macaroni are ideal for pasta salads as their shape allows them to hold the dressing well.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Pasta should be cooked just until al dente, which means it is slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is key to a great pasta salad. Use a combination of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices to create a flavorful dressing that complements the other ingredients in the salad.
  • Add a variety of vegetables: Vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to pasta salad. Use a mix of fresh and roasted vegetables for a variety of flavors and textures.
  • Add protein and cheese: Protein and cheese add richness and flavor to pasta salad. Use grilled or roasted chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein and a variety of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or feta for a cheesy flavor.
  • Don't overmix: Once you've added all the ingredients to the salad, toss it gently to combine. Overmixing can break up the pasta and make the salad mushy.
  • Chill before serving: Pasta salad is best served chilled. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Conclusion:

Cold pasta salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that is perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks. With endless variations and the freedom to customize it to your taste, pasta salad is a versatile dish that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give cold pasta salad a try – you won't be disappointed!

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