Best The Ultimate Pasta Salad Recipes

BEST POTLUCK PASTA SALAD

Best Potluck Pasta Salad image

Homemade pasta salad that's perfect for any potluck or backyard bbq!

Provided by The Chunky Chef

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 box uncooked short-cut pasta (I used farfalle (but rotini or penne work as well), 16oz)
2/3 cup sliced red onions
1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes (halved (regular cherry or grape tomatoes work as well))
1 cup diced cucumbers
1/4 cup pickled capers (jarred)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 1/2 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
2 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp fresh minced oregano
2 tsp fresh minced parsley
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps:

Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil over HIGH heat. Salt the water with about a tablespoon of salt. Add pasta and cook until just al dente (according to package instructions).
Drain pasta and toss with a light drizzle of olive oil. Set aside to cool slightly.
While pasta is cooling, chop tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Set aside in a large mixing bowl and add capers to the bowl.
Add dressing ingredients, except for olive oil, to a bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly pour in the olive oil, and continue whisking until completely combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
Add the cooked pasta and crumbled feta cheese to the large bowl with the vegetables. Pour dressing over the top and toss to combine.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, up to 2 days.
Serve cold or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 kcal, Carbohydrate 7 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 24 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 16 mg, Sodium 377 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

THE ULTIMATE PASTA SALAD

The Ultimate Pasta Salad image

The tri-colored pasta along with the variety of vegetables, pepperoni, cheeses and spices is what makes this pasta salad out of this world. Great to take to a BBQ on those warm summer nights. This salad tastes wonderful right after you make it, but is best served the day after.

Provided by Helene Rose-Carson

Categories Salad Pasta Salad

Time 1h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked tri-colored spiral pasta
1 head fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
1 head fresh cauliflower, chopped into bite size pieces
1 red onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
8 ounces pepperoni slices, cut into quarters
1 (8 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
1 (6 ounce) can large pitted black olives, drained and sliced
½ cup olive oil, or to taste
½ cup red wine vinegar, or to taste
salt and pepper to taste
Italian seasoning to taste

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and chill 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Toss chilled pasta with the broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, garlic, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, olives, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410.9 calories, Carbohydrate 36.2 g, Cholesterol 31.5 mg, Fat 22.7 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 16.1 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 572.1 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

THE BEST PASTA SALAD

The Best Pasta Salad image

Make and share this The Best Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Loves2Teach

Categories < 60 Mins

Time 51m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

8 ounces rotini pasta (Barilla is best)
1 large tomatoes, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium red pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped (optional)
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced
1 (8 ounce) bottle Kraft sun-dried tomato salad dressing
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Steps:

Cook pasta according to directions, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While pasta is cooking, chop tomato, peppers and onion into very small pieces. Add olives and mix.
Drain Rotini; rinse with cold water for about 3 minutes.
Mix pasta with tomato, peppers, onion and olives.
Refrigerate for about 1/2 an hour.
Add salad dressing; mix well.
Add Parmesan cheese; mix well.
Serve immediately.
If you have left overs, you will have to "re-wet" salad by adding a little more salad dressing the next day, especially if you substitute the dressing with a fat-free dressing.