Best 2 Tricolor Pasta Salad Recipes

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In the realm of summertime cookouts and potlucks, tricolor pasta salad reigns supreme. Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it a delightful addition to any gathering. With its combination of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and savory add-ins, this classic dish offers a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. Versatile and customizable, it caters to a range of dietary preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser at any occasion. If you're looking to add a burst of color and flavor to your next culinary creation, tricolor pasta salad is the perfect choice.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

TRICOLOR PASTA SALAD



Tricolor Pasta Salad image

To accompany the sandwiches, serve Tricolor Pasta Salad from Lorraine Darocha of Berkshire, Massachusetts. Pretty pasta spirals and convenient frozen veggies are tossed with a light dressing to make this colorful medley. "For vegetarians, you can add protein-rich chickpeas or beans to make it a main dish," Lorraine recommends.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 package (16 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
1 package (16 ounces) frozen California-blend vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots)
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 to 1-1/3 cups Italian salad dressing
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, optional

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, place vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave at 50% power for 5-1/2 to 6-1/2 minutes or until thawed; drain. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. In a bowl, combine the pasta, vegetables and olives. , Combine salad dressing and garlic salt if desired; pour over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 calories, Fat 13g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 599mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

HERBED TRICOLOR PASTA SALAD



Herbed Tricolor Pasta Salad image

Categories     Salad     Dairy     Herb     Pasta     Fourth of July     Quick & Easy     Yogurt     Summer     Gourmet

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar, or to taste
3/4 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
1 large red onion, quartered and sliced thin
3/4 cup finely chopped assorted fresh herbs such as basil, dill, and chives
1 1/2 pounds tricolor pasta such as penne or fusilli

Steps:

  • In a large bowl whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, parsley, onion, and herbs.
  • In a kettle of boiling salted water cook pasta until tender, about 12 minutes. In a large colander drain pasta and rinse well under cold water. Drain pasta well and toss with dressing and salt and pepper to taste. Pasta salad may be made 4 hours ahead and chilled, covered. If pasta absorbs dressing while standing, toss with about 3 tablespoons warm water.

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and dressing will make a big difference in the taste of your pasta salad. If possible, buy your ingredients from a farmers market or local grocery store.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente pasta is slightly firm to the bite and will hold its shape better in the salad. To cook pasta al dente, follow the package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water: Rinsing the pasta with cold water will stop the cooking process and help to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: A variety of vegetables will add color, flavor, and texture to your pasta salad. Some good choices include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
  • Don't overdress the salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. Start by adding a small amount of dressing and then add more to taste.
  • Chill the salad before serving: Chilling the salad will help the flavors to blend and will make the pasta salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Tricolor pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. With its colorful vegetables, flavorful dressing, and al dente pasta, this salad is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish, give tricolor pasta salad a try.

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