Simple Easy Pasta Salad Recipes

QUICK AND EASY PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender, 6 to 10 minutes (check the package for recommended cook time). Drain and rinse well under cold water.
• While the pasta cooks, in the bottom of a large bowl, make the dressing. Whisk the red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, pepperoncini juice (if using), and the olive oil until blended. Add the drained and rinsed pasta to the dressing and mix well.
• Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, scallions, pepperoncini (if using), olives, parmesan, mozzarella, and the herbs (if using). Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve or for the best results, cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 5 days.

EASY COLD PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the rotini, and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and cool by running cold water over the pasta in a colander set in the sink.
• Combine cooked and cooled pasta with the cucumbers, onion, tomatoes, and olives in a large bowl. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

EASY PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water; drain.
• Mix tomato sauce, dressing, basil and oregano in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients; toss.
• Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled but no longer than 48 hours.

SIMPLE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
• In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the Italian dressing, cucumbers, tomatoes, and green onions. In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and gently mix into the salad. Cover, and refrigerate until 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.

SUPER EASY PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente.
• Drain and pour pasta into a large dish.
• Stir in the celery and tomatoes.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the salad dressing and mayonnaise, then pour this mixture over the salad and toss again, to coat.
• Cover and chill until ready to serve.
• Enjoy!