Calling all pasta lovers! If you're looking for the ultimate summer side dish or light lunch option, look no further than creamy shell pasta salad. This classic recipe is a delightful combination of creamy dressing, tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. With its vibrant colors and creamy texture, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or gathering. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a delicious and refreshing pasta salad that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CREAMY SHELL PASTA SALAD
When I took this to a ladies' salad luncheon, the bowl was completely cleaned out!
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 6-8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, broccoli, carrot, cheese, cucumber, celery, sunflower kernels and egg. , In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 244 calories, Fat 20g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 37mg cholesterol, Sodium 332mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
CREAMY CRAB AND PASTA SALAD
Crabmeat and pasta are tossed with a creamy seasoned sauce in this great chilled salad.
Provided by dakota kelly
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Crab Salad Recipes
Time 27m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells 10 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
- In a bowl, blend the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey mustard, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, sour cream mixture, crabmeat, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onions. Cover and chill until serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 295 calories, Carbohydrate 35.6 g, Cholesterol 54.3 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 19.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 504.1 mg, Sugar 3.5 g
CREAMY PASTA SALAD
"I love creating new and tasty foods, including this popular side-dish salad," Lori Menard writes from Omaha, Nebraska. "I make it often for my husband and me, especially during the summer months. If you add some cooked chicken breast, you can make this a meal for two."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the first 10 ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 233 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 1021mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.
THE BEST CREAMY PASTA SALAD RECIPE
The absolute BEST Creamy Pasta Salad made with broccoli, cucumbers, olives, cheese, red onion, red pepper, and broccoli then tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing. This is the perfect pasta salad for parties and potlucks!
Provided by Elyse
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Rinse well with cold water until pasta is cold.
- Place cooked and cooled pasta in a large mixing or serving bowl.
- Mix in broccoli florets, red onion, red bell pepper, cucumber, sliced olives and cheese.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients and pour over pasta and other ingredients.
- Gently fold in dressing until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips:
- Use high-quality pasta. The type of pasta you use will make a big difference in the overall flavor and texture of your salad. Look for a pasta that is made with high-quality durum wheat and has a slightly rough texture. This will help the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Cook the pasta al dente. Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to the ideal texture for cooked pasta. Pasta that is cooked al dente is slightly firm to the bite and has a slight chewiness to it. This will help it hold its shape better in the salad.
- Use a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what really brings a pasta salad to life. There are many different types of dressings that you can use, so choose one that you think will complement the other ingredients in your salad. A simple vinaigrette, a creamy dressing, or a pesto sauce are all good options.
- Add plenty of vegetables. Vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to your pasta salad. You can use any type of vegetables that you like, but some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli. You might chop, dice, grate, or spiralize them for different textures.
- Don't be afraid to add other ingredients. In addition to vegetables, you can also add other ingredients to your pasta salad, such as cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon. You can also add nuts, seeds, or cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Chill the salad before serving. This will help the flavors to meld 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 potluck. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a pasta salad that is sure to impress your friends and family.
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