Delicious and Easy-To-Make Pasta Salad Recipes for Any Occasion
Introduction
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| Pasta Salad |
Pasta salad is a dish with pasta, vegetables, and a dressing or sauce. It can be served cold or at room temperature, making it an excellent option for potlucks, picnics, and summer parties.
Pasta salad is versatile – you can add just about any ingredient to create a unique dish. Whether you’re looking for a simple pasta salad recipes to bring to a barbecue or an elegant version to serve at a dinner party, we’ve got you covered.
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| Pasta Salad |
Ingredient List
1 lb. pasta (elbow, shells, or rotini)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup vinegar (red wine, balsamic, or apple cider)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 cup chopped vegetables (celery, carrots, red pepper, etc.)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar)
1/2 cup diced fruit (grapes, apples, oranges)
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, oregano)
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| Pasta Salad |
Preparation
Step-by-step instructions for cooking the Pasta Salad Recipes.
1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to use plenty of water, so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
2. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it with cold water. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from getting mushy.
3. Combine the cooked pasta with your desired ingredients in a large bowl. For a pasta salad, mix some chopped veggies (like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers), shredded cheese, and you can include also corn for your favorite dressing. Get creative and add in whatever you like!
Some other great additions include olives, cooked chicken or shrimp, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
4. Give everything a good stir until everything is evenly mixed together. Season to taste with salt and pepper (and any other herbs or spices you like). Serve at room temperature or chilled.
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| Pasta Salad |
Variations
Here are some great suggestions for different flavor combinations:
• Mediterranean: Add pitted olives, crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
• Asian: Go for a sesame oil dressing and add shredded cabbage, grated carrot, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
• Italian: Toss the Pasta Salad Recipes with a classic vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and salt. Then add cubed mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
• Southwestern: Create a creamy avocado dressing and mix in black beans, corn kernels, diced bell peppers, and chopped cilantro.
• Greek: Make a simple lemon-and-olive-oil dressing and stir in Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, and chopped parsley.
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How to make the pasta salad vegan or gluten-free
For a vegan version of this pasta salad, omit the cheese and use plant-based milk instead of cream. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
Here are some of our favorite recipes:
1. Vegan Caprese Pasta Salad: This flavorful salad is made with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls (or you can use vegan cheese). Omit the cheese to make it vegan.
2. Spicy Sausage Pasta Salad: This hearty salad is perfect for a summer BBQ or potluck. Just use gluten-free pasta and sausage to keep it gluten-free. Omit the sausage altogether to make it vegetarian or vegan.
3. Greek Pasta Salad: This classic salad is made with cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. Omit the feta cheese to make it vegan or use gluten-free pasta to keep it gluten-free.
4. Antipasto Pasta Salad: A flavor-packed salad made with salami, pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, and mozzarella.
Conclusion:
Pasta salads are a great way to add variety to your mealtimes. With these delicious and easy-to-make pasta salad recipes, you can prepare something special for any occasion.
From classic macaroni salad to healthy Asian noodle salads, there is something for everyone! So, get creative in the kitchen and start whipping up some tasty pasta salads today!
