Best 7 Fresh Herb Pasta Salad Recipes

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Fresh herb pasta salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the vibrant flavors of herbs with the satisfying texture of pasta. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or packing a lunch for work, this versatile salad is a perfect choice. With endless variations and the flexibility to accommodate different dietary preferences, fresh herb pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that can be easily tailored to suit your taste.

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

EASY PASTA SALAD WITH FRESH HERBS, LEMON AND GARLIC



Easy Pasta Salad With Fresh Herbs, Lemon and Garlic image

This simple vegetarian pasta salad recipe can be used as a base for any pasta salad. Add your favorite veggies such as olives, peppers, or tomatoes.

Provided by Jolinda Hackett

Categories     Salad     Side Dish     Lunch     Entree     Pasta     Salad

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

10 oz. corkscrew pasta (rotini)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tbsp. lemon juice
Dash sea salt (or to taste)
Dash ground black pepper (or to taste)

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • First, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it well and allow it to cool.
  • Heat half of the extra-virgin olive oil (about 2 tablespoons) in a large skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for just a minute or two, stirring and then reduce the heat to low and add the chopped fresh basil and parsley.
  • Cook for just one minute, until heated through. You just want the fresh herbs to start to get gently warmed in order to release their flavors as much as possible, but you don't want them to actually wilt or start to cook.
  • Remove the herbs from the heat and allow them to cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked and drained pasta with all of the remaining ingredients, including the cooked garlic and herbs, the remainder of the olive oil, lemon juice, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Toss your pasta salad well and serve it cold. You may also want to let it chill for an hour or two in the refrigerator before serving to let the flavors really develop.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 213 kcal, Carbohydrate 17 g, Cholesterol 4 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 104 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 14 g, ServingSize 4 to 6 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

HERBED PASTA SALAD



Herbed Pasta Salad image

This simple pasta salad gets loads of flavor from garlic-infused olive oil and fresh herbs.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 6

Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds orecchiette, or other short pasta
1/3 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, sliced
1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Steps:

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water; leave in colander and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat oil and garlic over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until garlic is fragrant and sizzling, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes.
  • Pour garlic oil through a sieve into a large bowl; discard garlic. Add pasta and herbs to oil. Season generously with salt and pepper; toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, chilled or at room temperature.

FRESH HERB PASTA SALAD



Fresh Herb Pasta Salad image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Categories     side-dish

Time 21m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (8-ounce) package haricots verts (recommended: Earth Exotics)
1 (12-ounce) box tri-color rotini pasta
1 (12-ounce) jar roasted yellow peppers, cut into small strips
1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, cut into small strips
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs such as mint, basil, tarragon and marjoram
3/4 cup poppy seed salad dressing (recommended: Knott's)

Steps:

  • Edible flowers, for garnish
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add haricots verts and cook until crisp tender, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the haricots verts to a bowl of ice water to stop them from cooking.
  • Return the pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and let cool.
  • In a large serving bowl, combine all ingredients, except edible flowers. Toss until ingredients are thoroughly coated with dressing.
  • Garnish with edible flowers and serve cold or at room temperature.

GARLIC AND HERB CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Garlic and Herb Chicken Pasta Salad image

Provided by Tregaye Fraser

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound fusilli pasta
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 recipe Chicken, Spinach and Artichoke Base, recipe follows
1 cup sliced grape tomatoes
1 cup diced fresh mozzarella
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Two 9-ounce bags refrigerated grilled garlic and herb chicken breast
One 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
One 5-ounce bag fresh spinach
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the fusilli according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and honey. Add the Chicken, Spinach and Artichoke Base, fusilli, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and parsley and toss to coat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl.
  • Cut the chicken into bite-size piece. In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, artichoke hearts, spinach and olive oil. Season to taste with red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper.

OLIVES, TUNA AND FRESH HERBS PASTA SALAD



Olives, Tuna and Fresh Herbs Pasta Salad image

Another summer pasta salad great for a hot afternoon. I like serving with homemade bread and it makes a great simple lunch. Note: I like using a mix of different olives, but you can use your own favorites.

Provided by Thymestudio

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

16 ounces pasta
1/4 cup divided extra virgin olive oil
6 ounces olives, pitted, cut in halves
1 (6 ounce) can canned tuna, drained
1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
2 tablespoons fresh marjoram, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in halves

Steps:

  • Cook pasta al dente. Drain.
  • Drizzle pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir and let cool.
  • Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Cover and refrigerate one hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1002.2, Fat 46.8, SaturatedFat 18.1, Cholesterol 107.4, Sodium 1273.6, Carbohydrate 93.4, Fiber 6, Sugar 5.2, Protein 51.1

FRUITY PASTA SALAD WITH HERBS



Fruity Pasta Salad with Herbs image

Loaded with fresh fruit and herbs, this creamy, pleasantly sweet pasta salad will become one of your favorite summer recipes.

Provided by lutzflcat

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups tri-color rotini pasta
2 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored, and diced
2 fresh figs, chopped
½ cup diced red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons sliced black olives
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 lime, zested and juiced
salt and ground black pepper to taste

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. Drain and set aside.
  • Mix apples, figs, onion, basil, black olives, mint, and garlic together in a large bowl.
  • Whisk mayonnaise, Pecorino Romano cheese, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, lime zest and juice, salt, and pepper together in a separate bowl.
  • Add cooked rotini to apple mixture, stir, and pour dressing on top. Mix well and refrigerate, covered, for at least 30 minutes. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 241 calories, Carbohydrate 26.9 g, Cholesterol 10.7 mg, Fat 13.4 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 4.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 174 mg, Sugar 8.5 g

PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY HERB DRESSING



Pasta Salad With Creamy Herb Dressing image

Creamy pasta salad with lots of flavor from all the fresh ingredients. I made it for a family potluck and it was a big hit, everyone loved it. The veggies can easily be substituted for whatever kind you like or have on hand. This just happened to be what I had in my fridge the day I made it.

Provided by Veggie Girl.

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup packed fresh parsley sprig, finely choppped
1/4 cup packed fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup cider vinegar
12 ounces fusilli (about 4 cups dry)
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 cup grated carrot
1 green onion, chopped

Steps:

  • To make dressing: Combine milk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper, stirring until smooth. Stir in finely chopped herbs. Gradually whisk in vinegar. Let stand for 10 minutes or until pasta is ready.
  • To make salad: In large pot of boiling water, cook fusilli according to package. Drain pasta and rinse under running cold water until cool. In large bowl, combine pasta, veggies and dressing. Toss to coat and sprinkle with green onions. Allow to cool in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Tips:

  • Fresh Herbs: Use a variety of fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme to add flavor and aroma to the pasta salad.
  • High-Quality Pasta: Choose a high-quality pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli for the best texture and flavor.
  • Tender Crisp Vegetables: Cook vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and zucchini briefly to maintain a tender crisp texture.
  • Marinate the Vegetables: Marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs before adding them to the pasta salad for extra flavor.
  • Freshly Grated Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  • Homemade Vinaigrette: Make a simple vinaigrette dressing using olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs for a light and flavorful dressing.
  • Chill Before Serving: Chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Conclusion:

Fresh herb pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. With a variety of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit. Follow these tips to make the best fresh herb pasta salad: use high-quality ingredients, marinate the vegetables, make a homemade vinaigrette, and chill the salad before serving. Enjoy!

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