Best 4 Killer Pasta Salad Recipes
Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes your taste buds and transports you to a realm of exquisite flavors – the "killer pasta salad." Get ready to embark on a culinary journey where vibrant ingredients harmoniously blend to create a symphony of textures and tantalizing aromas. Discover the secrets behind crafting this extraordinary dish that will leave your guests craving for more. From selecting the perfect pasta to choosing the freshest vegetables and crafting a dressing that elevates every bite, this article will guide you through the art of creating a truly unforgettable pasta salad experience.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
KILLER PASTA SALAD
Incredibly easy dish for a large group, picnics, pot luck & to take to work. It will also last for a while, so it's easy for leftovers
Provided by Chef amfox
Categories Brunch
Time 15m
Yield 6-8 , 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- 1. Cook pasta alone, rinse & chill.
- 2. Mix all dressing ingredients while pasta cooks/cools.
- 3. Once pasta has cooled to about room temperature, mix well with other ingredients. Garnish as desired.
- Serve cold.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 650, Fat 38.7, SaturatedFat 5.4, Sodium 1037.9, Carbohydrate 65.9, Fiber 4.4, Sugar 4.2, Protein 11.4
KILLER PASTA SALAD
Oil/vinegar based pasta salad, of my own creation. Good stuff. The carrots add a bit of sweetness, the sunflower seeds a nice crunch and nutiness, the garlic and herb seasoning ( I think it was Good Seasons brand) add a different kind of flavor, and the pasta a nice array of shapes and colors.I use one box of wacky shaped pasta like cellantani, and one box of Tri-colored rotini. This makes an enormous amount of pasta salad, so you might want to half the recipe. We live on this stuff in the summer.
Provided by Retro Kali
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 30m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix dry seasonings according to the directions on packet, adding the appropriate amount of vinegar, oil and water.
- cook pasta. Rinse with cold water, drain.
- Mix all ingredients together( except for the sunflower seeds), cover and refrigerate.
- This has to sit overnight for the flavors to meld.
- add salt and pepper to taste.
- mix in the sunflower seeds right before serving.
KILLER KALE PASTA
"I'm a huge kale fan. The texture and body it adds to this dish is spot-on."
Provided by Guy Fieri
Time 1h
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Place the bell peppers over the flame of a gas burner to char, turning, 3 to 4 minutes per side (or char the peppers under the broiler, turning, 5 minutes). Place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow the peppers to steam about 10 minutes. Once cool to the touch, remove the peppers from the bowl and pull off the charred skin and stems and remove the seeds. Slice and set aside until ready to use.
- Set a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the shallots and garlic; season with salt and pepper and cook until the garlic is fragrant and the shallots are translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and wine and cook until most of the wine has evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Add both cans of tomatoes and the roasted red peppers. Mix well and bring to a steady boil, then reduce the heat so the sauce simmers.
- Meanwhile, prepare the kale by removing and discarding the stems; tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. Fold the kale into the tomato sauce along with the chicken and toss to combine. Cover and cook until the kale has wilted, about 5 minutes. If the sauce seems dry, add the chicken stock 1/2 cup at a time. Continue cooking, covered, until the kale is tender, all the flavors have come together and the sauce is thick, 15 to 20 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the Dutch oven with the finished sauce. Drizzle in some olive oil. Cook over low heat, tossing to coat everything, 2 to 3 minutes. (This allows the last cooking of the pasta to be done in the sauce.) Add a little of the reserved pasta water if needed. Serve the pasta in large bowls and top with spoonfuls of parmesan, more red pepper flakes and another drizzle of olive oil.
ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE
This is one satisfying and flavor-packed cold pasta salad with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, rustic old-world salami, tangy olives, and mozzarella. A zesty Italian dressing brings it all together.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Salad
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until the pasta is cooked to al dante (don't forget to salt your water). Drain
- In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the tomatoes, chopped veggies, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients together.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.1 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Cholesterol 26.9 mg, Sodium 748.4 mg, Fiber 2.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta. Short, sturdy pastas like penne, rotini, and fusilli are ideal for pasta salad because they hold the dressing well and don't get too mushy.
- Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it is just tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold its shape well in the salad.
- Let the pasta cool completely before adding the dressing. This will help to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy.
- Use a flavorful dressing. A good pasta salad dressing should be flavorful and tangy, with a balance of acidity and sweetness. You can use a store-bought dressing or make your own with olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices.
- Add a variety of vegetables. Vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrients to pasta salad. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and broccoli. You can also use frozen or canned vegetables in a pinch.
- Add some protein. Protein helps to make pasta salad a more filling meal. Good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. There are endless possibilities when it comes to pasta salad. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your favorite combination.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a picnic. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a little planning, you can make a pasta salad that everyone will love.
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