Best 7 Marinated Pasta Salad Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, marinated pasta salad stands as a refreshing and versatile symphony of flavors. It offers a vibrant blend of textures and tastes that can tantalize even the most discerning palate. Whether you seek a light and tangy side dish for a summer barbecue or a hearty main course for a family gathering, this article will guide you through the art of crafting the perfect marinated pasta salad. Discover the secrets to choosing the right pasta, creating a flavorful marinade, and selecting complementary ingredients that will elevate your dish to gastronomic heights. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your perception of this classic dish, leaving you craving for more with every bite.

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

MARINATED-ARTICHOKE AND GREEN-BEAN PASTA SALAD



Marinated-Artichoke and Green-Bean Pasta Salad image

Tangy jarred artichokes from the pantry are brightened up with fresh ingredients for this make-ahead pasta salad: green beans, parsley, lemon, and red onion.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound cavatappi or other short, corkscrew-shaped pasta
Kosher salt
1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 jars (each 12 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts
2 cups packed flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon, plus 2 tablespoons fresh juice
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (from 1 small onion)
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
Red-pepper flakes, for serving

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in a pot of generously salted water according to package directions. Add green beans to pot 4 minutes before end of cooking. Drain; transfer pasta and green beans to a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; toss to coat. Let cool slightly.
  • Drain artichokes; whisk brine and reserve 1/2 cup. Chop artichokes into 1-inch pieces. Transfer pasta and green beans to a large bowl. Add artichokes and reserved brine, parsley, lemon zest and juice, onion, cheese, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil; toss to combine. Season with salt and red-pepper flakes. Serve room temperature or chilled. Pasta can be made up to 4 hours ahead.

MARINATED CUCUMBER PASTA SALAD



Marinated Cucumber Pasta Salad image

The sweet-and-sour dressing in this recipe is a nice change of pace from more traditional varieties. My nursing supervisor shared the recipe with me...and I'm glad she did!-Sue Dorrance, West Bend, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (16 ounces) mostaccioli
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
6 green onions, chopped
MARINADE:
1 cup sugar
1 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup canola oil
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook mostaccioli according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the mostaccioli, cucumber and onions., In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the marinade ingredients; shake well. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight, stirring occasionally. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 188 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 166mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MARINATED ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Marinated Italian Pasta Salad image

When I have guests coming over or a busy day ahead, I like to make this salad because I prepare it the day before.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 12-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package (16 ounces) medium pasta shells
1/4 pound hard salami, cubed
1/4 pound sliced pepperoni, halved
1 block (4 ounces) provolone cheese, cubed
4 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
4 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
1 bottle (8 ounces) Italian salad dressing
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain pasta and rinse in cold water. , Place in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag; add the salami, pepperoni, cheese, vegetables and olives. Add the salad dressing, oregano and pepper; seal and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261 calories, Fat 14g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 704mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

PASTA SALAD WITH MARINATED TOMATOES AND TUNA



Pasta Salad With Marinated Tomatoes and Tuna image

Fresh, quick-marinated tomatoes make the best sauces for pasta salad because not much needs to be done beyond tossing the tomatoes with hot pasta, salt and olive oil. The juices from the tomatoes and the heat create a gloriously glossy combination. Feel free to make this pasta salad ahead of time, then toss in flaked tuna right before serving.

Provided by Sue Li

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, quick, weeknight, poultry, salads and dressings, seafood, main course

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 pints cherry tomatoes (about 2 pounds), halved
1/2 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 to 3 sprigs fresh oregano
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound casarecce or other short pasta
2 (6-ounce) jars tuna packed in olive oil, drained

Steps:

  • Toss cherry tomatoes, olive oil, shallot, garlic, oregano and vinegar in a large bowl. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt.
  • Add pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the shape and brand of pasta. With a spider or slotted spoon, strain pasta directly into tomato mixture and toss to combine. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
  • Stir in flakes of tuna and serve with a drizzle of olive oil on top. The pasta can be served hot or at room temperature.

MARINATED PASTA SALAD



Marinated Pasta Salad image

This is my version of one I tried years ago. It's a great way to sneak in veggies kids might not normally eat. I've added other veggies besides what is listed in recipe and because I diced them small...my kids never guessed they were eating a plate full of veggies! They just new it was good! You can also add chunks of cheese or...

Provided by Teresa Jacobson

Categories     Salads

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 oz veggie spiral pasta
12 oz marinated artichoke hearts, do not drain!
8 oz fresh sliced mushrooms
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 c cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 bunch fresh broccoli, trimmed and diced fine
4 1/2 oz sliced black olives, drained well
1 Tbsp dried or fresh parsley
1/2 Tbsp dried oregano
2 clove garlic, minced
salt & pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Prepare veggie pasta per package directions, drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  • 2. Saute mushrooms in olive oil until cooked through but not carmelized. When done, set aside to cool slightly.
  • 3. In a large bowl, empty contents of marinated artichokes. If necessary, cut artichoke into bite-sized pieces.
  • 4. Add to artichokes, broccoli, tomatoes, cooled mushrooms, drained black olives,parsley,oregano, garlic, and salt and pepper. Blend well.
  • 5. Toss in cooled pasta and stir until blended. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until ready to serve.
  • 6. ***I've varied this by adding cubes of cheese, shredded carrots, finely diced green pepper,red and yellow pepper, pimentos, cauliflower, diced cucumbers. I even added quartered slices of pepperoni to throw the kids off the zucchini! ;P

SOY-MARINATED CHICKEN BREAST WITH WATERCRESS-PASTA SALAD AND MANGO-LIME PURéE



Soy-Marinated Chicken Breast with Watercress-Pasta Salad and Mango-Lime Purée image

Provided by Ming Tsai

Categories     Salad     Blender     Chicken     Pasta     Broil     Low Fat     Lime     Mango     Watercress     Self

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tsp chili paste
4 scallions, chopped, green and white parts kept separate
1/4 cup red wine
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tbsp minced ginger
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 boneless chicken breast halves (1 lb)
8 oz linguine
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
3 tbsp canola oil
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and julienned
3 bunches watercress
2 mangoes, cubed
2 tsp fresh lime juice
Vegetable-oil cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat broiler. For marinade, combine soy sauce, chili paste, scallion whites, red wine, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken and let marinate. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain. For dressing, whisk together mustard, vinegar, sesame oil, and 2 tbsp canola oil. Toss pasta, red pepper, watercress and all but 2 tbsp scallion greens with dressing. In a blender, puree mangoes, lime juice, and remaining 1 tbsp canola oil. Coat broiler pan with cooking spray and add chicken in a single layer. Broil 6 to 7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Cut breasts diagonally in half. On each plate, place 1/4 pasta and 2 pieces chicken. Drizzle with mango puree and garnish with remaining scallion greens.

MARINATED CHICKEN AND PASTA SALAD



Marinated Chicken and Pasta Salad image

An Australian recipe which is perfect for Summer barbecues. The chicken can also be served warm, for a Winter alternative!

Provided by ABAKER007

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 2h15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 19

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
2 tablespoons plum sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup low-fat mayonnaise
½ cup fat free sour cream
1 teaspoon coarse grained prepared mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 avocados - peeled, pitted and sliced
½ cup cashews

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons plum sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, sesame seeds, and basil. Add chicken, and turn to coat. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until no longer pink, and juices run clear. Drain on paper towels. Allow to cool, then cut into bite-size strips.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon tomato sauce, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix in cooked pasta, chicken, and Cheddar cheese. Gently stir in sliced avocado and cashews just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 446.2 calories, Carbohydrate 48.9 g, Cholesterol 42.5 mg, Fat 17.9 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 23.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 754.5 mg, Sugar 13.2 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta. Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, and macaroni are best for pasta salad because they hold the sauce well.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking the pasta until it is still slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • Make the dressing ahead of time. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of your salad.
  • Don't overcrowd the salad. Too many ingredients will make the salad difficult to toss and eat.
  • Serve the salad chilled. This will help to keep the pasta and vegetables crisp.

Conclusion:

Marinated pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a little planning, you can make a delicious marinated pasta salad that will impress your friends and family.

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