Best 5 Easy Pasta Salad For A Crowd Recipes

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Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and other gatherings. It is easy to make, affordable, and can be customized to suit any dietary needs or preferences. With a variety of ingredients to choose from, including different types of pasta, vegetables, cheeses, and dressings, you can create a pasta salad that is sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you are looking for a classic pasta salad recipe or something more unique and creative, you are sure to find the perfect recipe for a crowd-pleasing pasta salad.

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

EASY PASTA SALAD FOR A CROWD



Easy Pasta Salad for a Crowd image

Spinach, peppers and onions mingle with tangy feta cheese in this simple pasta salad. Feel free to make it ahead of time, so it's ready when you are.-Jacquelyn Saintjohn, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 13 servings (3/4 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (14-1/2 ounces) multigrain penne pasta
1 jar (12 ounces) roasted sweet red peppers, drained and chopped
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 bottle (8 ounces) Italian salad dressing
1 bottle (8 ounces) ranch salad dressing
6 green onions, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients., Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; add to the spinach mixture. Toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts :

CLASSIC PASTA SALAD (FOR A CROWD)



Classic Pasta Salad (for a crowd) image

This classic pasta salad is made with a tri-color rotini, filled with vegetables and cheeses, and coated in a scratch-made vinaigrette. The perfect recipe to feed a crowd.

Provided by Heather

Categories     Side Dish

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 15

24 ounces tri-color rotini pasta (uncooked)
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
12 ounces sliced pepperoni
1 red onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
16 ounces mozzarella cheese (cubed)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
8 ounces olives (sliced)
1 1/2 cups olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente pasta. Drain and rinse with cold water until pasta is room temperature. Place pasta in a large bowl.
  • Add cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, onion, bell pepper, mozzarella, parmesan, and olives to the bowl. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, add olive oil, vinegar, italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  • Pour vinaigrette over pasta salad, then toss to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Pasta salad will keep for 3-4 days, refrigerated in a sealed container. Pasta WILL continue to soak up the dressing the longer it sits, so it may need a splash of olive oil and vinegar if it has been sitting for several hours.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 0.75 cup, Calories 283 kcal, Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 13 g, Fat 14 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 32 mg, Sodium 732 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g

PASTA SALAD FOR A CROWD



Pasta Salad for a Crowd image

This is my go-to pasta salad recipe for a crowd! It's great for showers, picnics, parties, you name it! My mother-in-law taught me to make it. It is easy and very versatile. Today I made it for an event, and I decided to keep track of the measurements so that it could be shared with others who may need a large crowd pasta salad recipe. Hope you enjoy! Better when refrigerated overnight.

Provided by KLATIME

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 70

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 pounds garden rotini pasta
2 (16 ounce) packages steam-in-bag frozen broccoli florets
6 tomatoes, chopped
2 (16 ounce) bottles Italian-style salad dressing
16 ounces Cheddar cheese, cubed
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
  • While pasta is boiling, steam broccoli, one bag at a time, in a microwave per directions on the package, 4 to 6 minutes.
  • Rinse cooked pasta in a colander until completely cool. Return to the pot. Add broccoli, tomatoes, salad dressing, Cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well. Refrigerate until chilled, 30 minutes to 1 hour. Serve cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 141.3 calories, Carbohydrate 17.2 g, Cholesterol 6.8 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 4.7 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 353.9 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

CLASSIC PASTA SALAD



Classic Pasta Salad image

A classic, light pasta salad featuring Italian dressing. I much prefer it to a the heavy mayo-based varieties. Fast, simple, and easy to make in bulk for parties.

Provided by Brian Genest

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h55m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (16 ounce) package tricolor rotini pasta
1 ½ cups Italian-style salad dressing
½ cup diced pepperoni
½ cup diced salami
½ cup diced Cheddar cheese
½ cup diced Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
⅓ cup sliced black olives
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
½ medium cucumber, diced
⅓ medium red onion, diced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Strain pasta and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process; you don't want it to be mushy. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add salad dressing, pepperoni, salami, Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, feta cheese, black olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to the pasta; toss to combine.
  • Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.5 calories, Carbohydrate 33.6 g, Cholesterol 32.4 mg, Fat 20.3 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 12.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 939.8 mg, Sugar 4 g

SIMPLE PASTA SALAD



Simple Pasta Salad image

An easy, yet very yummy pasta salad. Almost any type of pasta may be used. Best if left to sit overnight.

Provided by Katzen

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian salad dressing
2 cucumbers, chopped
6 tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
  • In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the Italian dressing, cucumbers, tomatoes, and green onions. In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and gently mix into the salad. Cover, and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 288.6 calories, Carbohydrate 34.6 g, Cholesterol 8.3 mg, Fat 13.9 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 10 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 763.8 mg, Sugar 6.5 g

Tips

  • Use a variety of pasta shapes and sizes to create a more visually appealing salad.
  • Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
  • Use a variety of vegetables to add color, flavor, and texture to the salad.
  • Add some protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, to make the salad more filling.
  • Use a light and flavorful dressing to coat the salad, such as a vinaigrette or pesto.
  • Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later.

Conclusion

Pasta salad is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a crowd. It can be made ahead of time and served chilled, making it a great option for picnics, potlucks, and other gatherings. With so many different ways to make pasta salad, there is sure to be a recipe that everyone will enjoy.

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