Spring is the season of renewal and rebirth, and there's no better way to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather than with a delicious springtime pasta salad. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. Whether you prefer a classic Italian pasta salad or something more creative, there are endless possibilities when it comes to creating a springtime pasta salad.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SPRINGTIME PASTA SALAD
This simple make-ahead salad is the perfect dish to prepare for a picnic, party or potluck. The dill in the dressing makes it extra refreshing. -Vicki Schrupp, Little Falls, Minnesota
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 6-8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Place in a large bowl. Add zucchini, olives, red pepper and onion. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 2 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 141 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 239mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
SPRINGTIME PASTA SALAD
This light, colorful, and fresh pasta salad that everyone will love is great for get-togethers! Easy to reduce calories by using light mayo and light sour cream. If you make this the night before, add a little water and toss again to 'rejuvenate' before serving the next day.
Provided by Becky Ley
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 2h25m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook pasta at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain. Rinse pasta with cold water until cool; drain. Transfer pasta to a large bowl.
- Stir cucumber, black olives, red onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, salt, dry mustard, and garlic salt together in a bowl; pour over the pasta and gently mix to coat evenly.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap; refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 134.2 calories, Carbohydrate 14.7 g, Cholesterol 7 mg, Fat 7.7 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 391.8 mg, Sugar 1.8 g
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta. Short pasta shapes, like penne, rotini, and macaroni, are best for pasta salads because they hold the dressing well.
- Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold its shape in the salad.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking. This will stop the cooking process and help the pasta to cool down quickly.
- Use a variety of vegetables. The more colorful your pasta salad is, the more appealing it will be. Choose a mix of vegetables that are in season and that have different textures, such as crunchy carrots, crisp celery, and soft tomatoes.
- Add some protein. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all great additions to pasta salad. They add flavor and make the salad more filling.
- Use a flavorful dressing. A simple vinaigrette is a great choice for pasta salad. You can also use a store-bought dressing, but be sure to taste it first to make sure it's not too sweet or too tangy.
- Let the salad chill before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to become more flavorful.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a little planning, you can create a pasta salad that everyone will love.
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