Best 7 A Twist On Pasta Salad Recipes

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In the world of culinary delights, pasta salad stands as a testament to the versatility and adaptability of simple ingredients. From the classic combination of cooked pasta, vegetables, and a tangy dressing to more innovative iterations that incorporate grilled meats, seafood, and exotic flavors, the possibilities are infinite. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, embarking on a journey to create a twist on the traditional pasta salad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. In this article, we'll guide you through a culinary adventure, exploring unique recipe ideas, creative ingredient combinations, and essential tips to elevate your pasta salad from ordinary to extraordinary. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the best recipe for a twist on pasta salad that will tantalize your palate and leave your guests craving for more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

A TWIST ON PASTA SALAD



A Twist on Pasta Salad image

"I lightened up this recipe i found on the back of a pasta box many years ago," writes Pat Morris, Marlton, New Jersey. "it's become a staple at our home and for family gatherings."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1-1/4 cups uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 large sweet red pepper, julienned
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse under cold water. Drain. In a large bowl, whisk together the broth, vinegar, oil, garlic, sugar, basil and salt. Add pasta, broccoli, tomatoes, pepper and Parmesan and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 104 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 221mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MACARONI SALAD WITH A TWIST



Macaroni Salad with a Twist image

I was messin' around in my kitchen trying to put a twist on my traditional macaroni salad recipe. I tried several different dishes before I came up with this one. Now my friends and family can't get enough of it! I recommend making it a day ahead and chilling it overnight to really develop the flavors.

Provided by Sean

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 4h28m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package small seashell pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup distilled white vinegar
⅔ cup white sugar
2 ½ tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large Vidalia or sweet onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
¼ cup grated carrots
1 pound diced cooked ham

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta, but do not rinse. Let stand 5 minutes.
  • To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Combine the onion, celery, bell pepper, carrots, and ham in a large bowl. Stir in the dressing. Add the pasta and toss gently to blend all ingredients. Chill at least 4 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 581.9 calories, Carbohydrate 64.1 g, Cholesterol 43.9 mg, Fat 29.2 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 17.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 1415.5 mg, Sugar 20.3 g

PASTA SALAD WITH A TWIST



Pasta Salad with a twist image

Make and share this Pasta Salad with a twist recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Ladybug II

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 20m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

10 ounces rotini pasta (Colored)
4 -6 ounces linguine
1 cucumber
1 head fresh broccoli (chopped)
1 head lettuce (chopped)
3 -4 tomatoes
8 ounces shredded italian cheese
1 bottle red wine and vinegar salad dressing (I use fat-free)
1 -3 teaspoon sugar (I use 6-8 equal packets)
parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook and drain all pasta.
  • Mix all salad dressing and sugar up.
  • In a large bowl, Layer half of pasta, Layer lettuce, Sprinkle half package of cheese, Add chopped tomatoes, broccoli, cucumber.
  • Pour half of mixed dressing and stir.
  • Then repeat all steps.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309.5, Fat 8, SaturatedFat 4.5, Cholesterol 18.1, Sodium 301.2, Carbohydrate 46.2, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 3.9, Protein 13.9

A TWIST ON PASTA SALAD



A Twist on Pasta Salad image

'I lightened up this recipe i found on the back of a pasta box many years ago,' writes Pat Morris, Marlton, New Jersey. 'it's become a staple at our home and for family gatherings.'

Provided by Allrecipes Member

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ¼ cups uncooked tri-color spiral pasta
¼ cup reduced sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 large sweet red pepper, julienned
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse under cold water. Drain. In a large bowl, whisk together the broth, vinegar, oil, garlic, sugar, basil and salt. Add pasta, broccoli, tomatoes, pepper and Parmesan and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80.9 calories, Carbohydrate 11.3 g, Cholesterol 2.3 mg, Fat 2.9 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 174 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

A TWIST ON PASTA SALAD



A Twist on Pasta Salad image

'I lightened up this recipe i found on the back of a pasta box many years ago,' writes Pat Morris, Marlton, New Jersey. 'it's become a staple at our home and for family gatherings.'

Provided by Allrecipes Member

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ¼ cups uncooked tri-color spiral pasta
¼ cup reduced sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 large sweet red pepper, julienned
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse under cold water. Drain. In a large bowl, whisk together the broth, vinegar, oil, garlic, sugar, basil and salt. Add pasta, broccoli, tomatoes, pepper and Parmesan and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80.9 calories, Carbohydrate 11.3 g, Cholesterol 2.3 mg, Fat 2.9 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 174 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

A TWIST ON PASTA SALAD



A Twist on Pasta Salad image

'I lightened up this recipe i found on the back of a pasta box many years ago,' writes Pat Morris, Marlton, New Jersey. 'it's become a staple at our home and for family gatherings.'

Provided by Allrecipes Member

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ¼ cups uncooked tri-color spiral pasta
¼ cup reduced sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 large sweet red pepper, julienned
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse under cold water. Drain. In a large bowl, whisk together the broth, vinegar, oil, garlic, sugar, basil and salt. Add pasta, broccoli, tomatoes, pepper and Parmesan and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80.9 calories, Carbohydrate 11.3 g, Cholesterol 2.3 mg, Fat 2.9 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 174 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

A TWIST ON PASTA SALAD



A Twist on Pasta Salad image

'I lightened up this recipe i found on the back of a pasta box many years ago,' writes Pat Morris, Marlton, New Jersey. 'it's become a staple at our home and for family gatherings.'

Provided by Allrecipes Member

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ¼ cups uncooked tri-color spiral pasta
¼ cup reduced sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 large sweet red pepper, julienned
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse under cold water. Drain. In a large bowl, whisk together the broth, vinegar, oil, garlic, sugar, basil and salt. Add pasta, broccoli, tomatoes, pepper and Parmesan and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80.9 calories, Carbohydrate 11.3 g, Cholesterol 2.3 mg, Fat 2.9 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 174 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta. Short pastas, like penne or rotini, are ideal for pasta salad because they hold the dressing well. Avoid long, thin pastas like spaghetti, as they can be difficult to eat in a salad.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking the pasta until it is still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold its shape well in a salad.
  • Use a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what makes a pasta salad special. Choose a dressing that is flavorful and complements the other ingredients in the salad.
  • Add a variety of vegetables. Vegetables add color, crunch, and nutrients to pasta salad. Some good choices include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and celery.
  • Don't be afraid to add other ingredients. Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein. You could also add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. With a few simple tips, you can make a pasta salad that is bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing meal, give pasta salad a try.

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