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3 PASTA SALAD RECIPES | SUMMER SALADS | BBQ SIDES

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Jessi Harry
Jessi Harry
2 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
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Recipes in this Video

4 recipes

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that originated in Italy and has become popular worldwide. It is often served as a side dish at gatherings, picnics, and barbecues due to its refreshing flavors and ease of preparation. The dish can be customized with various vegetables, proteins, and dressings, making it suitable for different dietary preferences.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • olive oil
  • vinegar
  • bell peppers
  • cherry tomatoes
  • cucumbers
  • red onion
  • feta cheese
  • black olives
  • herbs

Instructions

  1. 1Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. 2Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
  3. 3In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion.
  4. 4Add olives and crumbled feta cheese to the mixture.
  5. 5Drizzle olive oil and vinegar over the salad, then season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
  6. 6Toss everything together until well combined and serve chilled.

Ingredient Alternatives

pasta

Healthier: whole grain pasta

Cheaper: pasta

Whole grain pasta is more nutritious.

feta cheese

Healthier: cottage cheese

Cheaper: processed cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories.

Techniques

boilingmixing

Equipment

potcolandermixing bowlknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairy

Also Known As

Pasta Salad with VegetablesItalian Pasta Salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a beloved American dish that combines the savory flavors of bacon with the creamy tang of ranch dressing. Often served at potlucks and summer gatherings, this salad is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its hearty ingredients and ease of preparation. Variations abound, with many incorporating seasonal vegetables or different types of pasta, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • bacon
  • ranch dressing
  • cherry tomatoes
  • cucumber
  • red onion
  • cheddar cheese
  • green onions
  • black olives
  • bell pepper
  • garlic powder
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and cool.
  2. 2Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
  3. 3In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
  4. 4Add ranch dressing to the pasta mixture and stir to combine.
  5. 5Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and black olives.
  6. 6Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  7. 7Mix everything until well combined and evenly coated with dressing.
  8. 8Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  9. 9Serve cold and enjoy!

Ingredient Alternatives

ranch dressing

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: mayonnaise

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

Techniques

boilingmixing

Equipment

large potskilletlarge bowlcolanderspoon
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Bacon Ranch PastaRanch Pasta Salad

Italian pasta salad is a popular dish, especially in summer, often served at picnics and gatherings. It reflects the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing fresh vegetables and olive oil. Variations exist across regions, showcasing local ingredients and preferences. This dish is versatile, allowing for various additions and substitutions based on seasonal produce.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • cherry tomatoes
  • cucumber
  • red onion
  • bell pepper
  • black olives
  • feta cheese
  • olive oil
  • red wine vinegar
  • Italian herbs
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. 2Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  3. 3In a large bowl, combine pasta with chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and black olives.
  4. 4Crumble feta cheese over the salad.
  5. 5In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  6. 6Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Ingredient Alternatives

pasta

Healthier: whole grain pasta

Cheaper: pasta

Whole grain pasta is more nutritious.

feta cheese

Healthier: low-fat feta

Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Low-fat feta reduces calories, ricotta is often cheaper.

Techniques

boilingmixing

Equipment

potcolanderlarge bowlwhisk
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairy

Also Known As

Pasta SaladInsalata di Pasta

Cowboy Pasta Salad reflects the hearty, bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine, often enjoyed at outdoor gatherings and barbecues. This dish combines pasta with a medley of colorful vegetables and proteins, creating a satisfying salad that's both refreshing and filling. Its popularity has spread beyond the American Southwest, making it a favorite at potlucks and summer picnics across the country.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • black beans
  • corn
  • red bell pepper
  • green onions
  • cilantro
  • cherry tomatoes
  • cheddar cheese
  • olive oil
  • lime juice
  • cumin
  • chili powder
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
  3. 3In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. 4Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
  5. 5Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix until evenly distributed.
  6. 6Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lime juice as desired.
  7. 7Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Ingredient Alternatives

cheddar cheese

Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

Cheaper: Monterey Jack

Reduced-fat cheese cuts calories while still providing flavor.

black beans

Healthier: canned chickpeas

Cheaper: dried beans

Chickpeas are lower in calories and provide a different texture.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is heart-healthy, while vegetable oil is more budget-friendly.

lime juice

Healthier: fresh lemon juice

Cheaper: bottled lemon juice

Bottled lemon juice is a cost-effective substitute.

Techniques

mixingboiling

Equipment

large potlarge bowlsmall bowlwhiskspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkwheat

Also Known As

Cowboy PastaTex-Mex Pasta Salad

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