Best 20 Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

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Italian pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors, variety of textures, and delicious combination of flavors, it is a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. From classic recipes that have been passed down through generations to modern interpretations with unique twists, there is an Italian pasta salad out there for everyone. Whether you are looking for a light and simple meal or a hearty and satisfying dish, this article will provide you with the inspiration and guidance you need to create the perfect Italian pasta salad.

Let's cook with our recipes!

QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Quick Italian Pasta Salad image

A quick and flavorful pasta salad with salami and bell peppers.

Provided by Trish

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (12 ounce) package tri-color rotini pasta
¾ pound Italian salami, finely diced
½ green bell pepper, sliced
½ red bell pepper, sliced
½ red onion, chopped
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives
8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
3 (.7 ounce) packages dry Italian-style salad dressing mix, or to taste
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

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 rinse with cold water until cool.
  • Combine pasta, salami, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, salad dressing, olives, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. Mix dry salad dressing into pasta; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.2 g, Cholesterol 46 mg, Fat 21 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 1893.1 mg, Sugar 5.4 g

ITALIAN DRESSING PASTA SALAD



Italian Dressing Pasta Salad image

This colorful salad is hearty enough to be a light meal in itself. It's a great make-ahead dish, since the full flavors of the herbs and veggies need a little time to blend. For more tasty ideas, check out these other cold pasta salad recipes.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h

Yield 36 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 packages (12 ounces each) tricolor spiral pasta
2 packages (16 ounces each) frozen California-blend vegetables, thawed
2 pints grape tomatoes
1 large zucchini, halved and thinly sliced
1 large yellow summer squash, quartered and thinly sliced
1 large red onion, finely chopped
1 block (8 ounces) cheddar cheese, cubed
1 block (8 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
2 packages (4 ounces each) crumbled tomato and basil feta cheese
1 bottle (16 ounces) Italian salad dressing
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 can (3.8 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
Grated Romano cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water; drain well. In two large bowls, combine the California vegetables, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, onion, cheeses and pasta. , In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Stir in olives. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. , Toss before serving. Serve with Romano cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 405mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

SALAMI LOVER'S ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Salami Lover's Italian Pasta Salad image

This Italian pasta salad is great to make for lunches or as a dinner on a summer night.

Provided by Deanna

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 ounces rotelli pasta
¾ cup creamy salad dressing
¾ cup Italian-style salad dressing
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces salami, cubed
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives
½ red onion, julienned

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the creamy salad dressing, Italian Dressing, and grated cheese.
  • Add the pasta, salami, bell pepper, olives and onion. Stir well to evenly coat. Allow to chill before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 527.4 calories, Carbohydrate 38.8 g, Cholesterol 58.3 mg, Fat 33.1 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 18.9 g, SaturatedFat 8.8 g, Sodium 1761.9 mg, Sugar 9 g

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

ITALIAN DELI PASTA SALAD



Italian Deli Pasta Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt
1 pound penne
1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 16-ounce jar giardiniera, drained and chopped
5 ounces provolone cheese, diced (1 cup)
5 ounces salami, diced (1 cup)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Drain and let cool to room temperature.
  • Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise, olive oil and red wine vinegar in a large bowl. Add the pasta and toss well. Add the giardiniera, provolone, salami, parsley and basil; toss well and season with salt and pepper.

ITALIAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Italian Chicken Pasta Salad image

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Categories     main-dish

Time 55m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt
3 cups dried elbow macaroni
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup cubed rotisserie chicken
1 cup diced English cucumber (about 1/3 cucumber)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped pitted Nicoise olives
1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers (about 1 whole)
1/2 cup 1/4-inch diced hard salami (about 4 ounces)
1/4 cup diced red onion (about 1/2 small)
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 ounces ricotta salata, grated, or crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup red wine vinegar

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain in a colander, rinse with cold water and shake until very dry. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over it and toss well to coat.
  • Add the chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, peppers, salami, onions and parsley. Season with salt and toss well to combine.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and remaining 1/2 cup olive oil; pour it over the salad and toss well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For best flavor, let the salad stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

ITALIAN CONFETTI PASTA SALAD



Italian Confetti Pasta Salad image

This recipe is so easy to make, and always such a hit! It is great for backyard barbecues. For best results, chill overnight.

Provided by Jeri Mortinson

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 cups colored rotini pasta
1 cup chopped tomatoes
½ cup chopped yellow bell pepper
½ cup sliced black olives

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse in cold water, and drain.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and garlic until well blended. Mix in basil. Add pasta, tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives; fold gently until mixed. Chill several hours. Stir gently before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 353.8 calories, Carbohydrate 17.7 g, Cholesterol 13.9 mg, Fat 30.9 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 3.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 702.4 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

ITALIAN BROCCOLI PASTA SALAD



Italian Broccoli Pasta Salad image

"I've served this dish at our children's graduation parties, and everyone has asked for the recipe," Loretta Conrey notes from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The chilled pasta salad is perfect for a picnic or potluck. Dressed with a light coating of reduced-fat salad dressing, it's chock-full of good-for-you cauliflower, carrot and broccoli bits.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 ounces uncooked spiral pasta
2 cups fresh cauliflowerets
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1 tablespoon water
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 cup creamy Italian salad dressing
1-1/2 teaspoons dill weed
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe dish, combine the cauliflower, broccoli, carrot and water. Cover and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. Immediately place vegetables in ice water. Drain and pat dry., Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, vegetable mixture, water chestnuts, olives and onion. In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, dill and salt. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts :

ITALIAN BASIL PASTA SALAD



Italian Basil Pasta Salad image

Ready for a big bite of summertime? Pass around this garden-fresh pasta salad. I'd suggest serving it at your next dinner party, potluck or luncheon. -Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 18 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 package (16 ounces) bow tie pasta
2 cups grape tomatoes
7 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
1/2 cup pickled banana pepper rings
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
4 thin slices hard salami, diced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
DRESSING:
3/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, cheese, yellow pepper, onion, pepper rings, olives, salami and basil. , In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 224 calories, Fat 13g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 221mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD I



Italian Pasta Salad I image

This is an excellent and refreshing pasta salad with a little zing to it. It will also store for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Provided by Jeanette

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
1 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, diced

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pasta, Italian salad dressing, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion. Mix well and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290.6 calories, Carbohydrate 32.6 g, Cholesterol 5.9 mg, Fat 14.6 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 8.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 728.2 mg, Sugar 4.6 g

DELI-STYLE ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Deli-Style Italian Pasta Salad image

When I'm having weekend guests, I make this salad the day before they arrive. The flavors blend wonderfully when it is chilled overnight, and it keeps well for several days. It's also a great dish to take along to a picnic or potluck. -Jill Evely, Wilmore, Kentucky

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 package (16 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
2 medium plum tomatoes, seeded and julienned
8 ounces sliced salami, julienned
8 ounces provolone cheese, julienned
1 small red onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
1 jar (5-3/4 ounces) pimiento-stuffed olives, drained
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 bottle (8 ounces) Italian salad dressing

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. , In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, salami, provolone cheese, onion, olives and cheese. Add dressing; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 381 calories, Fat 21g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 1158mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD WITH PEPPERONI



Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoni image

From the very first bite, young and old alike will savor this salad from Evelyn Harrington of Glens Falls, New York-and then come back for more! "Feel free to prepare it in advance," Evelyn advises. "Then, before serving, all you need to do is toss it with the dressing and cheeses."-Evelyn Harrington, Glens Falls, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12-16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 package (16 ounces) shell macaroni
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 large tomato, chopped
4 to 6 green onions, sliced
1 can (4 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
2-1/2 ounces sliced pepperoni, halved
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 bottle (8 ounces) Italian salad dressing
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and cool. Place in a large bowl; add the next seven ingredients and toss. Add garlic, oregano, salt and pepper; toss. Refrigerate. Just before serving, add dressing and cheeses; toss.

Nutrition Facts :

ITALIAN SAUSAGE PASTA SALAD



Italian Sausage Pasta Salad image

Provided by Ginny Leith Holland

Categories     Salad     Tomato     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Sausage     Broccoli     Zucchini     Summer     Bon Appétit     New Jersey     Small Plates

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 pound sweet Italian sausages, casings removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
3 cups broccoli florets
1 medium zucchini, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup dry white wine
5 large plum tomatoes, seeded, diced
1 pound rotini or fusilli pasta, freshly cooked
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup drained chopped black olives
1/2 cup (about) purchased Parmesan cheese salad dressing

Steps:

  • Sauté sausage in heavy large skillet over medium heat until cooked through, breaking up with spoon, about 6 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer sausage to paper towels. Pour off drippings; add oil to same skillet. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add broccoli, zucchini and wine; sauté until vegetables are just tender, about 4 minutes. Add sausage and tomatoes; toss until heated through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. Add pasta, cheese, olives and enough dressing to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

ITALIAN PASTA & BEAN SALAD



Italian Pasta & Bean Salad image

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

Provided by Ironblaze

Categories     Onions

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

12 ounces tri-color spiral pasta
1 (12 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped (see below to roast your own)
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained (great northern)
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 (3 7/8 ounce) can sliced black olives
1/2 cup chopped green onion
feta cheese, for topping (optional)
3/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 -4 cloves chopped garlic
1 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to directions; drain.
  • Rinse with cold water.
  • Prepare vinaigrette while pasta is cooking.
  • Stir all vinaigrette ingredients together in large bowl.
  • To Roast Pepper Take 1 large red bell pepper, roast under broiler or on barbecue rotating frequently until skin is black.
  • Place warm pepper in sealed zip lock bag for 5 minutes.
  • Peel skin off pepper while it is still hot.
  • Seed and chop pepper.
  • Stir pasta, pepper, canned ingredients and onion into vinaigrette. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Chill and serve.
  • Top with feta cheese if desired.
  • Enjoy!

EASY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Easy Italian Pasta Salad image

This salad is easy to make and everyone loves it!

Provided by slopez5084

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package bow-tie pasta
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
2 (6 ounce) cans sliced black olives
5 stalks celery, chopped
1 (8 ounce) bottle Italian-style salad dressing, or more to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until cooked through yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain. Rinse pasta in cold water until cool; drain.
  • Toss drained pasta, tomatoes, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, black olives, and celery together in a large bowl.
  • Pour Italian-style dressing over the pasta mixture; toss to coat.
  • Chill salad 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.1 calories, Carbohydrate 27.6 g, Fat 7.4 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 456.2 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Italian Pasta Salad image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound tri-color corkscrew pasta
1 (12-ounce jar) marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
8 ounces smoked mozzarella, cubed
1(8-ounce link) spicy pepperoni, cubed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons chopped jarred pepperoncini
1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until package directions for al dente. Drain well and cool.
  • Add the artichoke hearts, mozzarella, pepperoni, tomatoes, pepperoncini and basil to a large bowl. Stir in the pasta.
  • Whisk together the garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss the dressing with the pasta.

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD WITH FRESH VEGETABLES



Italian Pasta Salad With Fresh Vegetables image

This is a great summer meal-in-one. Its bursting with fresh-from-the-garden goodness with added spark from the salami. Be as creative as you like with the optional veggies. I often have a few handfuls of something from the garden or a half a cup of leftovers that go right in. Even if you don't particularly like anchovies try adding the anchovy paste at least once. You don't really taste it -- it just improves the flavor of the dressing. Try it at your next potluck or picnic!

Provided by 3KillerBs

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 3h20m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 27

1 lb tri-color spiral pasta, cooked and drained
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
2 medium cucumbers, chopped
1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 -2 large vine-ripened tomatoes, coarsely diced
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 lb hard salami or 1/2 lb pepperoni, diced
1/2 lb mozzarella cheese or 1/2 lb provolone cheese, diced
pepperoncini peppers (optional) or other hot pepper (optional)
snow peas (optional)
snap peas (optional)
green peas (optional)
broccoli (raw or blanched) (optional)
cauliflower (raw or blanched) (optional)
carrot (shredded or sliced) (optional)
green beans (raw or blanched) (optional)
lima beans (cooked and cooled) (optional)
garbanzo beans (cooked and cooled) (optional)
mushroom (fresh or canned) (optional)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/8-1/4 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Mix all salad ingredients and any optional veggies in a large bowl.
  • Put all dressing ingredients into a bowl and mix vigorously with a whisk or fork to make sure that the anchovy paste is thoroughly blended inches.
  • Toss salad with dressing and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
  • Taste and correct seasonings if necessary. If the pasta has soaked up too much dressing make a little more.
  • There should be a tang too it, maybe even a bite. If it seems bland make more dressing but don't overwhelm the fresh, bright flavor of the veggies.

ITALIAN TUNA PASTA SALAD



Italian Tuna Pasta Salad image

My husband was fond of fish, so I was always looking for new recipes. When we had this dish at an Italian friend's home, I got the recipe. It is a good choice for potluck suppers or picnics.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1-1/2 cups cooked small shell pasta
1 cup shredded carrot
1 cup shredded zucchini
1 can (6 ounces) light water-packed tuna, drained
6 tablespoons creamy Italian salad dressing
Lettuce leaf, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the pasta, carrots, zucchini, tuna and salad dressing. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. Serve in a lettuce-lined bowl if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418 calories, Fat 18g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 684mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

CREAMY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Creamy Italian Pasta Salad image

This is my favorite pasta salad recipe based on years of making it for BBQs and family get-togethers. A little bit of everything in this Italian dish.

Provided by Alexandra Girardi

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Farfalle Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (16 ounce) package bow-tie pasta (farfalle)
1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
5 ounces Muenster cheese
5 ounces Colby-Jack cheese
5 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 (6 ounce) can black olives, sliced
½ cup pepperoni, cut into quarters
1 (8 ounce) bottle creamy Italian salad dressing (such as Wish-Bone®)
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch dried oregano, or to taste
1 pinch paprika, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and let cool.
  • Meanwhile, place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add broccoli, cover, and steam until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain and let cool.
  • Cut cheeses into small cubes and combine in a large bowl with pasta, broccoli, ham, cherry tomatoes, olives, and pepperoni. Mix in the dressing. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 469.8 calories, Carbohydrate 32.9 g, Cholesterol 57.6 mg, Fat 28.8 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 20.7 g, SaturatedFat 11.6 g, Sodium 984.8 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your pasta salad shine. Look for ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tender pasta.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is the best choice for pasta salad. It will hold its shape and won't get mushy.
  • Let the pasta cool completely before adding the other ingredients. This will prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. The more vegetables you use, the more colorful and flavorful your salad will be. Some good choices include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
  • Add some protein. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all great additions to pasta salad. They will help to make the salad more filling and satisfying.
  • Use a flavorful dressing. A good dressing will bring all the flavors of the salad together. You can use a store-bought dressing or make your own. There are many different recipes available online.
  • Chill the salad before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. With so many different recipes to choose from, you're sure to find one that you love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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