Best Colorful Party Pasta Salad Recipes

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COLORFUL PARTY PASTA SALAD



Colorful Party Pasta Salad image

Wow, this a pasta salad recipe! There are a lot of fresh veggies, herbs, cheese, and pepperoni. If that isn't enough, the homemade dressing is amazing and the star of this pasta salad recipe. After pouring the dressing on the salad this chills in the fridge for a few hours and that's where the flavor magic happens. This makes a...

Provided by Megan Todd

Categories     Pasta Sides

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 31

ITALIAN DRESSING
2 c olive oil, extra virgin
1 c red wine vinegar
1 whole bay leaf
1 sprig(s) fresh rosemary
2 clove garlic, peeled, whole
2 clove garlic, peeled, & minced
3/4 tsp parsley, Italian
1/2 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp basil, dried
1/2 tsp thyme, dried
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 Tbsp oregano, dried
PASTA SALAD
1 lb pasta, tri-colored fusilli (cooked according to package directions, drained & cooled)
1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
1 large red onion, peeled & diced
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 medium red pepper, diced
1 medium yellow pepper, diced
4 medium roma tomatoes, dices
1 medium stick of pepperoni, paper removed, sliced 1/4 inch thick, then diced
1 can(s) medium black olives, drained & sliced
1-8 oz brick, mozzarella cheese
1-8 oz brick, sharp cheddar cheese
fresh grated romano cheese (add when serving)
1 bunch broccoli florets, chopped
1 sprig(s) rosemary, chopped
fresh oregano to taste, chopped

Steps:

  • 1. To make dressing: In a large glass jar or bottle with a lid, add whole garlic, bay leaf, & rosemary sprig. Add extra virgin olive oil & red wine vinegar. Add all remaining seasonings. Place lid on jar and shake gently to mix well. (Taste dressing & add adjust seasonings to your taste.) Refrigerate any unused dressing. NOTE: Dressing is best if left to sit 24 hours before use. This allows the garlic & rosemary to infuse into the oil & vinegar. Homemade is best, but you can use your favorite Italian dressing as well.
  • 2. Prepare pasta according to directions, drain, cool, & drizzle with a small amount of EVOO & set aside. NOTE: Pasta salad is very versatile, & if it's a last minute request, I make with what I have on hand. I always have fresh vegetables in my fridge, & ingredients for Italian dressing. If I don't have red or yellow peppers, I use extra green peppers. Sometimes I add celery too. It really just depends on what I have on hand. But the recipe herein is by far my favorite way to prepare this wonderful salad!
  • 3. Chop all vegetables & add to pasta, mix in well.
  • 4. Dice pepperoni & cheeses; add to pasta and vegetables. Fold in. Add fresh seasonings to taste.
  • 5. Add Italian dressing & stir well. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving. Best if made the day beforehand.
  • 6. Stir well and add fresh grated Romano cheese just before serving.

SWEET COLORFUL PARTY PASTA SALAD



Sweet Colorful Party Pasta Salad image

This was an attempt to replicate a pasta salad from one of my favorite restaurants. It actually came out better, according to those who compared them. You can add your favorite ingredients. I have never made it with garlic, but included it in the recipe anyhow.

Provided by Jenn from New Orlea

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 (12 ounce) package rotini pasta
3/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup sugar (more or less to taste)
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can sliced black olives
2 (4 ounce) jars pimientos, drained
3 -4 small sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
chopped celery, about 6 inches
chopped dried leaf basil (not powdered)
chopped oregano (not powdered)
onion powder
salt
minced garlic (optional)

Steps:

  • Start boiling water for pasta and cook according to package directions.
  • While water is heating, you can proceed with the next step.
  • In a skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat, and add all of the sliced bell peppers, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes or until desired consistency is reached. Set aside to cool.
  • Drain pasta in cold water for a couple of minutes, until cool.
  • Place in a medium-sized Tupperware-type container and set aside.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine cider vinegar and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
  • Then mix in olive oil and vegetable oil.
  • Add the liquid mixture to the pasta.
  • Then mix in all of the bell peppers, black olives, pimientos, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped celery.
  • Add to taste: dash of onion powder, salt, basil leaf, oregano, and minced garlic (if desired).
  • Refrigerate for at least one hour. Best if refrigerated over night. Sometimes pasta will absorb the dressing, so you may want to add a little extra vinegar and oil before serving.
  • Note: You can adjust the amounts of sugar, vinegar, and oil to your desired taste.
  • Enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 610.8, Fat 23.8, SaturatedFat 3.2, Sodium 186.7, Carbohydrate 86.2, Fiber 5.5, Sugar 17.6, Protein 12.9

COLORFUL PARTY PASTA SALAD



Colorful Party Pasta Salad image

In my catering buisness this is my number one most requested recipe. I make it often and it ends up on all my party tables as it's so pretty. It is also a great way to get kids to eat their veggies!

Provided by GingerlyJ

Categories     Kid Friendly

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 pounds, 25-35 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb tri-color spiral pasta
1 1/2 cups pepperoni or salami
1 (10 ounce) package feta cheese
2 cups broccoli
2 cups cauliflower
1 1/2 cups carrots
1 cup artichoke heart
14 ounces Hidden Valley Ranch salad crispins
1 (16 ounce) bottle kraft zesty Italian dressing
1 cup cherry tomatoes

Steps:

  • Cook pasta til al dente.
  • Fine chop all meat and veggies.
  • Run cold water over pasta and add to large salad bowl, add veggies, Crispins and Dressing, toss to coat and chill 1-24 hours.

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