Gourmet Pasta Salad Recipes

GOURMET PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• For the dressing, place all ingredients in a jar. Close lid tightly and shake until blended.
• For the salad, cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water (about 1-2 tablespoons salt for a big pot of water).
• While the pasta is cooking, soak the red onion in ice water to mellow its flavor.
• Drain cooked pasta and place in a large bowl.
• Drain onions and pat dry, then add them to the pasta. Add the dressing, olives, peppers, feta, sun-dried tomatoes and salami to warm pasta and toss.
• Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate until ready to use.

GARDEN GOURMET PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In large bowl, toss together egg noodles, vegetables and parsley. Set aside. For dressing, combine basil leaves, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, mascarpone and Parmesan cheeses, salt and pepper in a food processor. Process, and slowly add in the olive oil and reserved oil from tomatoes; blend until smooth. Pour dressing over pasta mixture. Chill for one hour. Top with Parmesan cheese before serving.

EASY PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Toss 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1 garlic clove, finely grated, 1 lb. summer squash and/or zucchini, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise, ½ cup coarsely chopped banana peppers, 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar, 1¾ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, and ¾ tsp. freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl to combine. Using your hands, gently massage vegetables to soften slightly. Let sit at room temperature, stirring occasionally, 25 minutes.
• Cook 1 lb. orecchiette or other small pasta in a large pot of boiling heavily salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain in a colander, shaking to remove excess water.
• Add pasta, 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup halved pitted Kalamata olives, ½ cup finely grated Parmesan, and ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil to vegetable mixture; toss well to combine. Add 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces, 1 cup (packed) coarsely chopped basil, and ½ cup finely chopped oregano and toss gently just to incorporate. Taste pasta salad and season with more salt and pepper if needed.
• Just before serving, top pasta salad with more Parmesan, basil, and oregano. Do ahead: Pasta salad (without toppings) can be made 5 hours ahead. Cover and chill.