And you don't have to be a 5-star chef to whip up these wonderful dishes. Follow these simple recipes to the perfect pasta salad in no time at all.
Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
Bring the flavors of Italy to your table with this Italian-inspired pasta salad.
Ingredients:
- 1 package Tortellini
- 1 cup hard, dry salami, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small squares
- 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
- Italian salad dressing
How to Prepare:
Cook pasta per package directions and let cool completely. In a large bowl, mix the cooled Tortellini, salami, mozzarella cheese and red onion slices. Toss with three or four tablespoons (depending on desired preference) of your favorite Italian dressing. Chill until ready to serve.
Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad
Pasta salad with an Asian flair is certain to stimulate the taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 3 packages of Top Ramen Noodles
- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and cut up into small pieces
- 1/2 cup green onions
- One package wonton strips, available at your local grocery store
- Oriental salad dressing
How to Prepare:
Cook noodles per package directions, with the exception of stirring in the seasoning package. (The seasoning package isn't used in this recipe.) Once the pasta has cooled, cut the noodles into smaller pieces so that they are easier to eat. Toss noodles, chicken breast pieces, green onions, wonton strips and three or four tablespoons of the Oriental salad dressing in a large bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
Mexican Pasta Salad
Give traditional pasta salad a Mexican-inspired twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 package elbow macaroni
- Approximately 2 cups ground beef, cooked and crumbled into small pieces
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Approximately 1/2 cup salsa
How to Prepare:
Cook macaroni per package directions, setting aside until cooled. In a large bowl, mix macaroni, ground beef pieces, cheddar cheese, black olives and cilantro. Add approximately 1/2 cup salsa of your choice, depending on desired consistency. Chill pasta salad until ready serve.
All-American Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is the perfect side dish at barbecues and summer parties.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of macaroni; Springs or penne work well in the dish.
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled into small pieces
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup tomato, seeded and chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- Ranch dressing
How to Prepare:
Cook macaroni per package directions. Once cool, toss macaroni, bacon, cheese, tomato, onion and three or four tablespoons of ranch dressing in a large bowl. Make sure to coat the mixture evenly with the dressing. Store chilled until ready to serve.
Greek Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is a mouth-watering spin-off of a traditional Greek salad.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of macaroni; Springs, penne or other small noodles work best.
- 1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1 cup Roma tomatoes, diced
- Balsamic vinegar
How to Prepare:
Cook macaroni per package directions, allowing to cool completely. In a large bowl, mix macaroni, feta cheese, olives, red onion and tomatoes. Add two or three tablespoons of Balsamic vinegar, depending on desired taste. Chill until ready to serve.
Served as a main dish or a side dish, pasta salad is a delectable addition to any lunch or dinner spread.
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