Best The Perfect Pasta Salad Recipes

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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

PERFECT PASTA SALAD:



Perfect Pasta Salad: image

This is an absolutely INCREDIBLE recipe. Every time I've made it I've had to double it and it is still gone in nothing flat. People will beg you for the recipe

Provided by Mrs. Jaye

Categories     Kid Friendly

Time 30m

Yield 8-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (1 lb) box tri-colored pasta
2 cups chopped green peppers
2 cups diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups chopped red onions
1/2 lb cubed provolone cheese (optional)
1/2 lb sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup sliced black olives
3/4 cup pompeian extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup pompeian red wine vinegar (this brand is excellent in this dish)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Mix together dressing first and set aside until sugar is dissolved completely.
  • Cook pasta according to box directions and rinse under cold water until cool.
  • Slice the sliced pepperoni circles in half and separate slices.
  • Mix together with pasta and chopped items, except the provolone cheese.
  • Pour dressing over it all and mix well.
  • Chill well.
  • Add provolone cheese to salad before serving, otherwise it gets soggy.
  • You may have to add extra red wine vinegar or olive oil to get it to the desired consistency.
  • Some people like it moist, others on the drier side.
  • This is guaranteed not to last long before it is completely devoured!
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 595.1, Fat 34.5, SaturatedFat 7.3, Cholesterol 29.4, Sodium 825.6, Carbohydrate 55.9, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 11.1, Protein 14.9

PERFECT PASTA SALAD



Perfect Pasta Salad image

My favorite pasta salad that I serve all summer long! Lovely with grilled chicken, a crusty bread or rolls and a glass of chilled white wine. I hope you enjoy! Note: Do try to use real French cornichons, if you can get them, as they really make this dish extra special.

Provided by BecR2400

Categories     Vegetable

Time 30m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 ounces corkscrew macaroni, cooked and drained (measured dry)
1/4 cup Italian parsley, chopped
3 stalks celery & leaves, chopped
1 cup french cornichon gherkin, chopped
1/4 cup spanish manzanilla olives, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
10 ounces sweet grape tomatoes
1 1/2 cups cubed cheddar cheese
1 (2/3 ounce) packet good seasons Italian salad dressing mix
black pepper (to taste)
3 tablespoons mayonnaise (heaping)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, mix ingredients in order given. Stir well to combine.
  • Cover and chill until serving time.
  • Goes great with grilled chicken and a glass of chilled white wine!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 321.2, Fat 14.8, SaturatedFat 6.8, Cholesterol 31.6, Sodium 459.5, Carbohydrate 34.2, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 3.8, Protein 13

PERFECTLY PASTA SALAD



Perfectly Pasta Salad image

A delicious pasta salad that is great for any occasion.

Provided by Chrissy

Categories     Salad     Pasta Salad     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (16 ounce) package tri-colored pasta assortment
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 cup cauliflower, chopped
½ cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced celery
¼ cup diced red onion
¼ cup diced yellow pepper
¼ cup sliced black olives
½ (16 ounce) bottle vegetarian Caesar-style salad dressing
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil add pasta and boil until al dente. Drain well.
  • Place broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, celery, red onions, yellow peppers and black olives in a large mixing bowl. Pour Caesar salad dressing over vegetables and stir to coat the vegetables.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, pepper, garlic powder and paprika over the vegetable mixture. Stir. Pour pasta into the large bowl and mix well. Refrigerate until cool or serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 266.2 calories, Carbohydrate 36.8 g, Cholesterol 18.1 mg, Fat 9.2 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 9 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 372.4 mg, Sugar 2.5 g

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