Best Quick Penne Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipes

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BALSAMIC BASIL PASTA SALAD



Balsamic Basil Pasta Salad image

Balsamic Basil Pasta Salad is an delicious, healthy side dish perfect for any potluck, picnic or barbecue!

Provided by Stephanie

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 14

7 oz (about 2 1/4 cups) dry whole wheat rotini pasta or chickpea pasta if you're gluten-free, cooked (3 1/2 cups cooked pasta)
2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered
1 1/4 cups cucumber, chopped (I like to use an English cucumber for this)
1 1/2 cups orange bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped and soaked in ice water for a few minutes, then drained (this takes some of the bite out)
1 1/4 cup mild (or hot if ya like!) pickled banana pepper rings, drained and chopped
1 can (3.8 oz) sliced black olives, drained
1 (8 oz) block of mozzarella cheese, diced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (or more if you like!)
1/4 cup + 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dijon or spicy brown mustard
pinch of salt and pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Boil your pasta. While your pasta is cooking, make your dressing. Whisk together the vinegar, garlic powder, mustard, salt and pepper. While still whisking, drizzle in your olive oil. Once fully combined, set aside.
  • When the pasta is done cooking, drain well then add a few tablespoons of the dressing to the pasta to prevent sticking and refrigerate until cold in a large bowl - this makes about 13 cups so be sure to have a big enough bowl! (Hot Tip: Don't rinse your pasta in cold water after cooking, removing the outer starch can keep the dressing from sticking well to it!)
  • Add the remaining ingredients to the pasta (you may need to give the dressing another good whisking before adding if the oil has separated). You can serve this right away, but it's even better if it can have some time to marinate in the fridge! Once it's refrigerated, I like to let it sit on the counter for a few (the olive oil will thicken in the fridge and setting it out re-liquifies it) then give it a good stir before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 9 grams fat, ServingSize 1 cup

QUICK AND EASY PASTA SALAD



Quick and Easy Pasta Salad image

This easy pasta salad is flexible based on the ingredients you have in your kitchen or the season. Start with a hearty pasta shape that has nooks and crannies to hold onto the dressing like rotini or penne. Then toss with our simple dressing and lots of colorful vegetables. We also love adding parmesan cheese, which melts into the dressing as well as a handful of fresh mozzarella balls. For more suggestions for what to add, read through our recommendations in the article above.

Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher

Categories     Side Dish, Salad

Time 20m

Yield Makes about 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound dried pasta like fusilli, penne, rotini or farfalle (bow tie)
1 cup sliced bell pepper (1 medium)
1 cup thinly sliced zucchini (1/2 medium)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions (5 to 6)
1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers, optional
1 cup (4 ounces) halved mixed olives
1 cup (2 ounces) grated parmesan cheese or hard cheese
1 cup (6 ounces) fresh mozzarella balls, chopped
1/3 cup fresh parsley or basil, optional
1/3 cup red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 to 3 tablespoons juice from pepperoncini jar, optional
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender, 6 to 10 minutes (check the package for recommended cook time). Drain and rinse well under cold water.
  • While the pasta cooks, in the bottom of a large bowl, make the dressing. Whisk the red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, pepperoncini juice (if using), and the olive oil until blended. Add the drained and rinsed pasta to the dressing and mix well.
  • Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, scallions, pepperoncini (if using), olives, parmesan, mozzarella, and the herbs (if using). Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve or for the best results, cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1/10 of the salad, Calories 363, Fat 19.1g, SaturatedFat 5.1g, Cholesterol 18.3mg, Sodium 507.1mg, Carbohydrate 36.6g, Fiber 2.3g, Sugar 2g, Protein 11.7g

PENNE PASTA SALAD



Penne Pasta Salad image

I came up with this recipe one day while experimenting in my kitchen. This salad makes a great side dish with just about any kind of meat.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 bottle (8 ounces) Italian salad dressing
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, green pepper, onions and olives. Stir in pasta. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320 calories, Fat 12g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 608mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

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