Giadas Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

CAESAR'S PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• For the croutons: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• On a small rimmed baking sheet, toss the cubed bread with the olive oil, Parmesan and salt. Bake until golden brown and crispy, about 15 minutes.
• For the dressing: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the Parmesan, buttermilk, yogurt, olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic. Set aside to let the flavors marry for 5 minutes.
• For the salad: Remove the cloves of garlic from the dressing and discard. To the bowl of dressing, add the lettuce, corn, pasta and croutons. Toss well to coat.

ANTIPASTO SALAD

Steps:

• Vinaigrette: In a blender, add the basil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper. Blend until the herbs are finely chopped. With the machine running, drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta.
• In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta with the remaining salad ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Serve.

TRICOLORE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• For the dressing: Whisk together the vinegar, oil and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
• For the salad: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, about 9 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly until just warm to the touch, about 5 minutes.
• Add the pasta to the dressing and toss well to coat. Allow to cool to room temperature in the dressing, tossing occasionally. Add the arugula, basil, tomatoes, peppers, cheese and salt and toss well to combine and coat everything in the dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

CAMPANELLE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
• In a 14-inch skillet, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the tuna to the skillet and, using a fork, break into chunks. Add the cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the pasta, the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, and the parsley. Toss until all the ingredients are coated, adding a little pasta water, if needed, to thin out the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl and serve warm or at room temperature.

ITALIAN ANTIPASTO SALAD

Steps:

• Mix the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and salt in a blender. With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Combine the first 8 ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with enough vinaigrette to coat. Season the salad with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.