Best 3 Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

When you think of classic Italian dishes, pasta salad is sure to come to mind. It's a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. From backyard barbecues to potlucks, classic Italian pasta salad is a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Classic Italian Pasta Salad image

Perfect for a buffet or a barbecue. Customize with your favorite vegetables.

Provided by Food Network

Time 20m

Yield 8 side-dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

8 ounces rotelle or spiral pasta, cooked and drained
2-1/2 cups assorted cut-up fresh vegetables (broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, onions and mushrooms)
1/2 cup cubed cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup sliced pitted ripe olives (optional)
1 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing

Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients except Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing in large bowl. Add Dressing; toss well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
NOTE: If preparing a day ahead, refrigerate, then stir in 1/4 cup additional Wish-Bone Dressing before serving.
For a Creamy Italian Pasta Salad, substitute 1/2 cup Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise for 1/2 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing.
Also terrific with Wish-Bone® Robusto Italian, Fat Free! Italian, House Italian, Ranch, Light Ranch, Fat Free! Ranch, Creamy Caesar, Red Wine Vinaigrette or Fat Free! Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressings.
See nutrition information for sodium content.

CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Classic Italian Pasta Salad image

Perfect for a buffet or a barbecue. Customize with your favorite vegetables.

Provided by Wish-Bone

Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Wish-Bone®

Time 20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

8 ounces rotelle or spiral pasta, cooked and drained
2 ½ cups assorted cut-up vegetables (broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, onions and mushrooms)
½ cup cubed Cheddar or mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup sliced pitted ripe olives
1 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing

Steps:

Combine all ingredients except Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing in large bowl. Add Dressing; toss well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 232.9 calories, Carbohydrate 26.2 g, Cholesterol 9.1 mg, Fat 12.2 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 598 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Classic Italian Pasta Salad image

Make and share this Classic Italian Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Charlotte J

Categories Peppers

Time 28m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2 cups rotini pasta, cooked (about 1 cup dry)
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup provolone cheese, cubed
1 carrot, cut into julienne strips
1/4 cup red onion, minced
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can pitted black olives, sliced
1/4 lb salami, chopped
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
3 -4 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped (to taste)

Steps:

Combine all salad ingredients in a serving bowl.
Whisk first 6 dressing ingredients together.
Add basil to dressing.
Pour over pasta and toss to coat.
Season to taste.
Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
Toss again before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 639.8, Fat 36.1, SaturatedFat 11.4, Cholesterol 42.9, Sodium 1096.2, Carbohydrate 58.5, Fiber 12.1, Sugar 5.9, Protein 22.6

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, ripe vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and a good quality olive oil will make all the difference in the taste of your pasta salad.
Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking it until it is still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold up well in the salad.
Let the pasta cool before adding the other ingredients: This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Use a variety of vegetables: This will add color, texture, and flavor to the salad. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini, and artichokes.
Add some protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all great additions to pasta salad. They will make it more filling and satisfying.
Use a flavorful dressing: A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs is a great option. You can also use a store-bought dressing, but be sure to choose one that is not too heavy or creamy.
Chill the salad before serving: This will help the flavors to meld together and will make the salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a picnic. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy.

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