Best Hot Pasta Picnic Salad Recipes

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PICNIC PASTA SALAD



Picnic Pasta Salad image

I like recipes that use what we grow. This particular recipe has been handed down in our family for years. I can't go to a picnic without it. -Luana Francis, Columbia Station, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 cups tricolor spiral pasta, cooked and drained
1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn, thawed
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 small zucchini, sliced
1 cup small pitted ripe olives
DRESSING:
1/3 cup tarragon vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons dill weed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, toss pasta, corn, tomatoes, zucchini and olives; set aside. In a jar with tight-fitting lid, combine all of the dressing ingredients; cover and shake well. Drizzle over salad; lightly toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 299 calories, Fat 16g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 427mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

THE PERFECT PICNIC PASTA SALAD



The Perfect Picnic Pasta Salad image

Pasta salad is almost always the most disappointing side dish at the picnic or cookout, but this recipe shows you how to transform what is normally an "afterthought" to a dish that's good enough to enjoy on its own, or as the perfect complement to grilled meat. Top this with extra fresh chopped herbs if you like.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Pasta by Shape Recipes

Time 3h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 22

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ cup cider vinegar
¼ cup rice vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons white sugar
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 pound rotini (corkscrew) pasta
1 cup sliced snow peas
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
½ cup shelled English peas
1 cup broccoli florets
½ cup diced bell peppers
1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
¼ cup finely diced red onion
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

Steps:

  • Whisk Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and cayenne together in a large bowl for about 30 seconds. Whisk in olive oil in 1-teaspoon increments until emulsified. Whisk in tarragon, dill, parsley, chives, and thyme. Remove and reserve 1/2 of the dressing in a separate small bowl.
  • 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. Add snow peas, carrots, peas, and broccoli about 2 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain pasta and veggies well, but do not rinse.
  • Transfer hot pasta mixture to the vinaigrette in the large mixing bowl and toss well to combine. Let rest for 5 minutes and toss again. Toss occasionally until the mixture is almost room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, salt, and the reserved dressing and toss well.
  • Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving. Toss and adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 491.9 calories, Carbohydrate 50.9 g, Fat 28.1 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 9.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 641.6 mg, Sugar 5.3 g

CONTEST-WINNING PICNIC PASTA SALAD



Contest-Winning Picnic Pasta Salad image

My family's not big on traditional pasta salads made with mayonnaise, so when I served this colorful version that uses Italian dressing, it was a big hit. This crowd-pleaser is loaded with vegetables, beans and tricolor pasta. It's one of the best picnic salad ideas! -Felicia Fiocchi, Vineland, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (12 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
1 package (10 ounces) refrigerated tricolor tortellini
1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, undrained
1/2 pound fresh broccoli florets (about 1-3/4 cups)
12 ounces provolone cheese, cubed
12 ounces hard salami, cubed
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 medium red onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 envelopes Italian salad dressing mix

Steps:

  • Cook spiral pasta and tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the artichokes, broccoli, provolone cheese, salami, peppers, beans, olives, onion and garlic. , Prepare salad dressing according to package directions; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 411 calories, Fat 23g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 1156mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

RANCH PICNIC PASTA SALAD



Ranch Picnic Pasta Salad image

This recipe makes A LOT so save it for a large gathering, pot luck or cook out. It is light and refreshing and goes well with everything from burgers, steaks to grilled chicken or just eaten alone. I personally like using the lighter angel hair instead of thicker pastas. Enjoy!

Provided by Shawn C

Categories     Vegetable

Time 20m

Yield 10-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (16 ounce) package angel hair pasta (break in half) or 1 (12 -16 ounce) package tri-color spiral pasta
4 firm ripe seeded diced tomatoes
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
2 medium cucumbers, peeled pulp removed and diced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
3 (1 ounce) packages hidden valley ranch dressing mix
1 (2/3 ounce) package Italian salad dressing mix (prepared as directed on package only using half the oil called for)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Prepare Italian dressing mix according to directions (but using about 1/2 the oil called for).
  • Mix Ranch dressing with vinegar and oil.
  • Drain pasta well and rinse with cold water, drain well again.
  • Place all ingredients into large bowl and toss well.
  • Refrigerate 12 hours.
  • Toss before serving.
  • **Can use 1/2 of a green, yellow, and orange bell pepper to add more color.
  • You can add other raw hard vegetables such as julienne carrots, blanched asparagus, sliced radish, anything you like.

PICNIC PASTA SALAD



Picnic Pasta Salad image

This quick and easy pasta salad features the fresh flavors of veggies and herbs.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 2h20m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (16 ounces) rotini pasta
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup Italian dressing
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves or 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (3 ounces)
5 roma (plum) tomatoes, coarsely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
1 large cucumber, coarsely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained

Steps:

  • Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water; drain.
  • Mix tomato sauce, dressing, basil and oregano in large bowl. Add pasta and remaining ingredients; toss. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours until chilled but no longer than 48 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 245, Carbohydrate 36 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 340 mg

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