Best American Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

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AMERICAN-ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



American-Italian Pasta Salad image

Garden veggies with fusilli pasta, Italian Parsley, Genoa salami and creamy Italian dressing makes for a pasta salad that will be a favorite at your next picnic or pot-luck.

Provided by Carol Emory

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 8h40m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (16 ounce) package fusilli pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 cup frozen petite peas, thawed
2 (2 ounce) cans sliced black olives
1 cup cubed Genoa salami
¾ cup chopped green onions
¾ cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water, and drain.
  • In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk and Italian dressing mix. Whisk together until smooth, set aside.
  • In a large salad bowl combine cooked and cooled pasta, peas, olives, salami, green onions, celery and parsley. Mix in dressing last, reserving 1/2 cup. Let sit overnight in fridge. Stir before serving. Add extra dressing if pasta appears dry.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 236 calories, Carbohydrate 20.5 g, Cholesterol 17 mg, Fat 14.6 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 420.4 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

AMERICAN - ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



American - Italian Pasta Salad image

Make and share this American - Italian Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by littlemafia

Categories     European

Time 30m

Yield 4-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (16 ounce) package fusilli
1 cup frozen baby peas, thawed
2 (2 ounce) cans sliced black olives
1 cup cubed genoa salami
3/4 cup chopped green onion
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 (2/3 ounce) package Italian salad dressing mix
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk and Italian dressing mix. Whisk together until smooth, set aside. In a large salad bowl combine cooked and cooled pasta, peas, olives, salami, green onions, celery and parsley.
  • Mix in dressing last, reserving 1/2 cup.
  • Let sit over night in fridge. Stir before serving.
  • Add extra dressing if pasta appears dry.

AMERICAN-ITALIAN PASTA SALAD [141]



AMERICAN-ITALIAN PASTA SALAD [141] image

Categories     Salad     Pasta     Picnic     Sausage     Potluck

Yield 20 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (16 ounce) package fusilli pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 cup frozen petite peas, thawed
2 (2 ounce) cans sliced black olives
1 cup cubed Genoa salami
3/4 cup chopped green onions
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water, and drain. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk and Italian dressing mix. Whisk together until smooth, set aside. In a large salad bowl combine cooked and cooled pasta, peas, olives, salami, green onions, celery and parsley. Mix in dressing last, reserving 1/2 cup. Let sit overnight in fridge. Stir before serving. Add extra dressing if pasta appears dry.

AMERICAN-ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



AMERICAN-ITALIAN PASTA SALAD image

Categories     Pasta     Sausage

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (16 ounce) fusilli pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk
1 package (.7 ounce) dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 cup frozen petite peas, thawed
2 cans (2 ounce) black olives, sliced
1 cup Genoa salami, cubed
3/4 cup green onions, chopped
3/4 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water, and drain.
  • In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk and Italian dressing mix. Whisk together until smooth, set aside.
  • In a large salad bowl combine cooked and cooled pasta, peas, olives, salami, green onions, celery and parsley. Mix in dressing last, reserving 1/2 cup. Let sit overnight in fridge.
  • Stir before serving. Add extra dressing if pasta appears dry.

AMENITA'S ITALIAN-AMERICAN PASTA SALAD



Amenita's Italian-American Pasta Salad image

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 2h

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound tri-color pasta (like Rotelle or Rotini)
Good Seasons Italian Dressing - double recipe (2-packs) prepared with balsamic vinegar and canola oil
1 small red onion, diced
1 yellow (or red or orange) bell pepper, chopped
2 cups chopped carrots
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cubed (or sliced) pepperoni
1 small (4-oz) can sliced black olives (approximately 1/4 cup sliced olives)
1/4-1/2 cup Kraft grated parmesan/Romano cheese blend (to taste)
Cubed cheddar cheese to taste

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse in cold water and drain. Prepare Good Seasons Italian Dressing in accordance with package directions, using balsamic vinegar and canola oil. Prepare 2 packages, as the pasta and vegetables soak up the dressing.
  • Mix pasta and remaining ingredients - except for the cheddar cheese - in a large bowl, mixing well. Chill at least one hour before serving. Add cheddar cheese before serving.
  • Salad tastes better the longer it sits in the refrigerator. I prefer to make it the day before I plan to use it as it gives the flavors a chance to marinate the pasta and veggies.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 0 g, Fat 0 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 g, Sodium 0 g, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 0 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 0 g

What is American Italian Pasta Salad?

American Italian Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of American and Italian flavors. It is a classic salad that is made with cooked pasta, a variety of veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and onions. Its dressing is usually prepared with a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs.
The Origin of American Italian Pasta Salad
Like most modern dishes, the origin of American Italian Pasta Salad is unknown. However, it is believed that it was created in America by Italian immigrants. As pasta became popular in the US in the 20th century, Italians started incorporating this ingredient into their traditional salad dishes, which resulted in the creation of American Italian Pasta Salad.
Ingredients Used in American Italian Pasta Salad
The primary ingredient in American Italian Pasta Salad is cooked pasta. However, you can use different types of pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, or penne. Other ingredients that are commonly used in the salad include:
Vegetables:
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Olives
  • Onions
  • Peppers
Proteins:
  • Salami
  • Ham
  • Pepperoni
  • Chicken breast
Cheese:
  • Feta
  • Cheddar
  • Mozzarella
  • Parmesan
Dressing:
The dressing for American Italian Pasta Salad is made with olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Some people prefer using a bottled Italian salad dressing, while others make their dressing from scratch.
How to Prepare American Italian Pasta Salad
Preparing American Italian Pasta Salad is quite easy, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. cooked pasta
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup diced cucumbers
  • 1 cup sliced olives
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, chicken breast, and feta cheese.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the pasta and mix until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  5. Serve and enjoy!
Health Benefits of American Italian Pasta Salad
American Italian Pasta Salad has several health benefits, including:
Nutrient-Dense:
American Italian Pasta Salad is loaded with vegetables, which increases the nutrient density of the dish. The veggies provide essential vitamins, fiber, and minerals that are beneficial to your overall health.
Protein:
The salad is also rich in protein, depending on the type of meat used. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles.
Low-Calorie:
American Italian Pasta Salad is a low-calorie dish, making it ideal for individuals who are watching their weight.
Conclusion
American Italian Pasta Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a potluck. It is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser. The salad is versatile, and you can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite ingredients.

Valuable Tips when making American Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

Pasta salad is a popular dish in America, and it originated from Italy. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main dish. The good thing about pasta salad is that it can be tailored to suit different tastes and dietary lifestyles. This article provides valuable tips when making American Italian Pasta Salad recipes.
Select the Right Pasta
To make an excellent pasta salad, it's important to select the right pasta. Choosing the right pasta is key to achieving the perfect texture for your pasta salad. Fusilli or rotini is a popular choice because the corkscrew shape helps to hold the dressing and other ingredients together. Other good pasta options include penne, shells, and farfalle.
Cook Pasta al Dente
When cooking pasta for your pasta salad, it is essential to cook it al dente. Al dente is an Italian term that means "to the tooth." The pasta should be cooked until it is tender but still has a bit of resistance when you bite it. Overcooking the pasta will result in mushy pasta salad, and under-cooking will make your pasta salad crunchy.
Dress the Pasta while it's Warm
It's best to dress the pasta while it's still warm. Dressing the pasta while it's warm ensures that the pasta absorbs the dressing, which enhances the flavor. The warm pasta also softens the vegetables if you choose to add them to your pasta salad.
Use the Right Dressing
The dressing is essential in a pasta salad. It is the flavor enhancer that ties all the ingredients together. Italian dressing is a popular choice for American Italian pasta salad because it complements the ingredients' flavors. You can also use a vinaigrette or a combination of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dress your pasta salad.
Add Variety of Ingredients
To make your American Italian pasta salad stand out, it's essential to add a variety of ingredients. You can add vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add proteins such as cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef. Cheese such as mozzarella or parmesan can also be added to give it a cheesy flavor. The key is to experiment with a variety of ingredients to find what works for you.
Chill Before Serving
Before serving your pasta salad, it's important to chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling the pasta salad enhances the flavors and allows the pasta to absorb the dressing fully. It also gives the ingredients time to meld together, which improves the overall taste.
Season to Taste
Seasoning your pasta salad is essential to enhance its flavor. Apart from the dressing, you can add salt, black pepper, herbs such as basil, parsley, or oregano, to taste. Be careful not to over-season as it can overpower the other flavors.
Use a Large Bowl
When making pasta salad, it's essential to use a large bowl. A large bowl provides enough space to toss the pasta salad properly. You can also mix in different ingredients in the large bowl without making a mess.
Don't Overcrowd your Pasta Salad
When adding ingredients, it's important not to overcrowd your pasta salad. Overcrowding the pasta salad may result in soggy pasta and can affect the overall taste. It's important to add ingredients in smaller portions, mix them well, and then add more if needed.
Experiment with Different Flavors
Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes. You can experiment with different flavors, such as adding a spicy kick to your pasta salad by adding jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add sweetness to your pasta salad by adding dried cranberries or mandarin oranges. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor your pasta salad to suit your preferences. In conclusion, American Italian pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit different tastes and dietary lifestyles. By following the valuable tips, you can make an excellent pasta salad that is filled with different flavors and textures. Remember to select the right pasta, dress the pasta while it's warm, use the right dressing, add a variety of ingredients, chill before serving, season to taste, use a large bowl, and experiment with different flavors.

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