Italian Picnic Salad Recipes

CONTEST-WINNING PICNIC PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook spiral pasta and tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the artichokes, broccoli, provolone cheese, salami, peppers, beans, olives, onion and garlic. , Prepare salad dressing according to package directions; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

ITALIAN PICNIC SALAD

Steps:

• Combine artichoke hearts, green pepper, cheeses, ham, salami, onion, and salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Set mixture aside.
• Break spaghetti into pieces to make it easier to eat in a salad. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain well. Add spaghetti to artichoke mixture.
• Mix the dressing: Combine the oil, vinegar, garlic, sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, basil, oregano, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a jar. Cover tightly and shake vigorously.
• Pour the dressing over the spaghetti and artichoke mixture. Toss gently to combine.

FAMILY PICNIC SALAD

Steps:

• In a large salad bowl, combine the first nine ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Stir in cheese and corn chips. Serve immediately.

THE PERFECT PICNIC PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and cayenne together in a large bowl for about 30 seconds. Whisk in olive oil in 1-teaspoon increments until emulsified. Whisk in tarragon, dill, parsley, chives, and thyme. Remove and reserve 1/2 of the dressing in a separate small bowl.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Add snow peas, carrots, peas, and broccoli about 2 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain pasta and veggies well, but do not rinse.
• Transfer hot pasta mixture to the vinaigrette in the large mixing bowl and toss well to combine. Let rest for 5 minutes and toss again. Toss occasionally until the mixture is almost room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, salt, and the reserved dressing and toss well.
• Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving. Toss and adjust seasoning before serving.

YUMMY SUMMER PICNIC SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil; cook the macaroni at a boil until cooked through yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water to cool the macaroni to the touch; drain again.
• Stir the mayonnaise, Italian-style salad dressing, and mustard together in a large bowl. Add the cool macaroni, cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, green onion, salt, pepper, tuna, and egg; stir to evenly combine. Chill at least 4 hours before serving.