Best Ugly Pasta Salad Recipes

CREAMY SUMMER PASTA SALAD

Creamy Summer Pasta Salad image

This is a fresh, slightly tangy pasta salad with plenty of different flavors.

Provided by Mary Younkin

Categories Salad

Time 11m

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

SALAD INGREDIENTS:
8 ounces salad macaroni or ditalini pasta
1 cup tiny broccoli florets
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup finely diced red pepper
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup very thinly sliced green onion
DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons white wine or plain vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar

Steps:

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks. Just before the noodles are done cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Let the broccoli boil for about 30 seconds and then drain everything into a large colander. Rinse well with cold water.
Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and stir well to coat. Add the cucumber, pepper, olives, and onions and stir again. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again just before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297 kcal, Carbohydrate 31 g, Protein 5 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 7 mg, Sodium 496 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

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

Categories Side Dish

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