Best 3 Zesty Potluck Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in a burst of flavors with our tantalizing Zesty Potluck Pasta Salad, a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. This vibrant salad combines the freshness of crisp vegetables, the heartiness of succulent chicken, and the tangy zest of a homemade dressing, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. With options for both a classic mayonnaise-based dressing and a tangy vinaigrette, this versatile salad can be tailored to your preferences. Whether you're hosting a potluck, planning a picnic, or simply looking for a refreshing meal, our Zesty Potluck Pasta Salad will be a hit. Dive into the culinary journey and discover the vibrant flavors that await you.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ZESTY POTLUCK PASTA SALAD

Zesty Potluck Pasta Salad image

Love to bring home an empty bowl from potlucks? Here's a crowd-size pasta pleaser that almost guarantees an empty bowl.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Side Dish

Time 20m

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

2 boxes Betty Crocker™ Suddenly Salad® classic pasta salad mix
3 cups frozen broccoli florets
2/3 cup Italian dressing
1/3 cup cold water
2 cups cut-up cooked chicken or ham
1 1/2 cups halved grape tomatoes

Steps:

Empty contents of pasta pouch (from salad mix) into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding broccoli during last 2 minutes of cooking.
Meanwhile, in large bowl, stir contents of seasoning mix packet (from salad mix), the dressing and cold water until blended; set aside.
Drain pasta with broccoli; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well. Stir pasta with broccoli, chicken and tomatoes into dressing mixture. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 170, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 10 g, SaturatedFat 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 660 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 0 g

POTLUCK PASTA SALAD

Potluck Pasta Salad image

"This dish is a hit and it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for days," says Erika Shupe of Mount Vernon, Washington. "With pasta, veggies and cheese, it's a complete meal that's filling and flavorful!"

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked spiral pasta
1-3/4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1-1/2 cups fresh cauliflowerets
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
1 can (6 ounces) pitted ripe olives, drained and halved
1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
DRESSING:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large serving bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, olives and tomatoes., Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; add to vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 223 calories, Fat 14g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 372mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Italian Pasta Salad image

This zesty Italian pasta salad recipe combines vegetables and pasta in a creamy dressing. Refreshing and filling, this change-of-pace salad is perfect as a side dish. It's always popular at a potluck. —Tina Dierking, Skowhegan, Maine

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked spiral pasta
1-1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
3 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup cubed provolone cheese
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water and drain. Place in a large bowl; add the tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, onions and salad dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight; drain., In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese; stir in the provolone cheese and olives. Gently fold into the pasta mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 371 calories, Fat 30g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 707mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your pasta salad shine. Look for ripe vegetables, firm pasta, and a good quality dressing.
Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente pasta is slightly firm to the bite and will hold its shape well in the salad.
Don't overdress the salad: A little dressing goes a long way. Add just enough to coat the pasta and vegetables, and save the rest for later.
Chill the salad before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.
Serve the salad with a variety of toppings: Grated cheese, chopped nuts, crumbled bacon, and fresh herbs are all great options.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. With so many different variations, there's sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dish to bring to a gathering, give one of these pasta salad recipes a try. With these tips and tricks, you can make a delicious pasta salad that will be the star of the show at your next potluck. Pasta salad is a great way to use up leftover ingredients, and it's also a healthy and affordable meal option. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dish to make, give one of these pasta salad recipes a try.