Best 3 Summertime Pasta Salad Recipes
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, there's nothing quite like a refreshing and flavorful summertime pasta salad to cool you down and satisfy your taste buds. With its vibrant colors, variety of textures, and zesty dressings, a summertime pasta salad is a perfect dish to enjoy at a picnic, potluck, or backyard barbecue. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the steps of creating a delicious and memorable summertime pasta salad that will impress your family and friends.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SUMMERTIME PASTA SALAD
Nothing says summer quite like a cool pasta salad with loads of vegetables! Best of all, this recipe calls for frozen vegetables, so it's perfect when you don't have time to slice and dice fresh produce.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large kettle, cook pasta according to package directions. Place frozen vegetables in strainer. Pour cooked pasta and water over vegetables to thaw; rinse and drain well. In a small bowl or jar with tight-fitting lid, combine salad dressings, dill and garlic salt until smooth. Place pasta mixture in a large bowl. Add tomatoes and dressing; stir gently to coat.
Nutrition Facts :
SUMMERTIME FUN PASTA SALAD
A light pasta salad both adults and kids will love. This is my own creation I am sure many have already tried. You can add or take away from this recipe. I usually serve crowds of 10 to 20 people, but I love to entertain so I also always serve this, spinach dip, potato and green salad, chip with dip and wings... This dish is always a hit!
Provided by ashleyliebenberg
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Tuna Salad Recipes
Time 1h27m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 4
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 and cool.
- Mix tuna and cucumber together in a salad bowl; stir in cooked bow-tie pasta and ranch dressing. Chill at least 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.1 calories, Carbohydrate 11.2 g, Cholesterol 26 mg, Fat 32.1 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 7.9 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 663.6 mg, Sugar 3.4 g
SUMMERTIME CHICKEN AND PASTA SALAD
This is one of my favorites. My best friend makes this, but I have tweaked it to suit my family's tastes.
Provided by Andrea Parker
Categories Salad Green Salad Recipes Romaine Lettuce Salad Recipes
Time 1h30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Hard boil the eggs by placing them into a saucepan in a single layer. Fill with water to cover the eggs by 1 inch. Cover the saucepan and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, remove from the heat and let the eggs stand in the hot water for 15 minutes. Pour out the hot water, then cool the eggs under cold running water in the sink. Peel once cold.
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the bow tie pasta and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink, and rinse with cold water.
- Simmer the chicken tenders in about 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan over medium-low heat, until no longer pink inside. Remove the tenders from the water, and set aside to cool.
- Cut the tenders into bite-size pieces. Slice the eggs. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, eggs, cucumber, radishes, carrots, green onions, and red onion in a salad bowl, and pour the Italian dressing over. Toss lightly to mix, and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, or until cold.
- Place about 3/4 cup of sliced romaine hearts on each plate, then top with about 1 cup of pasta-chicken salad to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 541.6 calories, Carbohydrate 67.7 g, Cholesterol 195 mg, Fat 18.4 g, Fiber 6.7 g, Protein 29.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 732.6 mg, Sugar 9.6 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and a good-quality olive oil will make a big difference in the taste of your pasta salad.
- Cook the pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unpleasant. Cook it al dente, or slightly firm to the bite, so that it holds its shape and texture in the salad.
- Let the pasta cool before adding the other ingredients: This will prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
- Use a variety of vegetables: A variety of vegetables will add color, texture, and flavor to your pasta salad. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, bell peppers, and artichokes.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses: There are many different cheeses that can be used in pasta salad. Some good options include Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, and feta.
- Use a light dressing: A light dressing will allow the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through. A vinaigrette or a light olive oil dressing are good options.
- Serve the pasta salad chilled: Pasta salad is best served chilled. This will help the flavors to meld together and the pasta will be more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover pasta, vegetables, and cheese. With a little creativity, you can create a pasta salad that is perfect for any occasion.
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