Best 5 Cheesy Pasta Salad Recipes
Searching for the perfect cheesy pasta salad recipe that combines delectable flavors, creamy textures, and al dente pasta? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we'll embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of creating this beloved dish. From selecting the ideal pasta and mastering the art of cooking it to the right consistency, to choosing the perfect blend of cheeses and incorporating a variety of delicious add-ins, we'll cover every step in detail. Let's dive into the world of cheesy pasta salads and uncover the recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
CHEESY BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD RECIPE
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook noodles according to package directions.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, green onions, bacon, garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper until well combined.
- Add your cooled noodles and cheddar cheese.
- Mix until well combined. Place in fridge for about 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Servingsize 1 serving, Calories 2152 kcal, Fat 95 g, SaturatedFat 42 g, Cholesterol 171 mg, Sodium 2701 mg, Carbohydrate 247 g, Sugar 20 g, Protein 70 mg
CREAMY, CHEESY PASTA SALAD
I love cheese in a pasta salad - good with BBQ or for a picnic, or any time you want a creamy pasta salad!
Provided by LorenLou
Categories Cheese
Time 2h20m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Gently toss all the salad ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Set aside.
- For the dressing, combine the mayonnaise and milk.
- Then add the sugar and vinegar.
- Stir well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss gently to combine.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours Overnight is even better.
CHEESY PASTA SALAD
This creamy pasta salad came about when I combined ingredients from two different recipes. It got rave reviews when I served it at a baby shower.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, pasta, cheese, celery and grapes. In a small bowl, combine next seven ingredients. Pour over chicken mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill until ready to serve; toss with pecans.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 384 calories, Fat 28g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 68mg cholesterol, Sodium 268mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 19g protein.
CHEESY BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD
Working at a pizza shop in high school, I loved a recipe similar to this. After years of trying to duplicate it, I think I've come about as close as I'm going to get, and I love it. There are many variations on ingredients that will make it healthier, but I suggest trying the original first since it is sinfully delicious.
Provided by 921195
Categories Pork
Time 20m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Slice bacon into thin strips (1/2 - 1 inches in width). Separate slices and place into a preheated frying pan.
- While bacon is browning, prepare the tortellini's according to the package's directions. When the tortellini's are fully cooked, run under cool water, drain, and set aside to cool.
- When the bacon is fully cooked, carefully drain the grease and spread the bacon pieces onto paper towels to remove excess grease. Set aside to cool.
- Slice the tomatoes in half.
- In a large bowl, combine the tortellini's, bacon, tomatoes, cheese and ranch dressing. Stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate at least one hour, but as much as 2 days.
- When ready to serve, you may add the extra ranch dressing if you wish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 746.4, Fat 55.7, SaturatedFat 19.4, Cholesterol 106.2, Sodium 1181.6, Carbohydrate 36.9, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 3, Protein 23.9
CHEESY CHICKEN-SPINACH PASTA SALAD
Hot summer nights call for cool salads such as this. I created the recipe by accident one day when tossing together whatever ingredients I had on hand.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 6-8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse in cold water and drain well. In a large bowl, gently toss the pasta, spinach, chicken, blue cheese and pine nuts. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips:
- Use high-quality pasta. The type of pasta you use will make a big difference in the final dish. Choose a pasta that is made with high-quality ingredients and that has a good texture. Some good options include penne, macaroni, and rotini.
- Cook the pasta al dente. Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to the texture of pasta that is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. This is the ideal texture for pasta salad, as it will hold up well when tossed with the other ingredients.
- Use a variety of vegetables. Vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrients to pasta salad. Some good options include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots. You can also use leafy greens, such as spinach or arugula.
- Use a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what brings all the flavors of pasta salad together. You can use a variety of dressings, such as vinaigrette, mayonnaise-based, or pesto. Choose a dressing that you think will complement the other ingredients in the salad.
- Add some protein. Protein can help to make pasta salad a more filling and satisfying meal. Some good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also use beans or lentils.
- Chill the pasta salad before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and will make the salad more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables, and it is also a good option for potlucks and picnics. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will love.
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