Best 3 Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

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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.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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

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

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

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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