From grandma's recipe box
Pasta Salads Recipes
Pasta salads are cool, tasty and easy to carry. They are a favorite for picnics, cookouts and big family tables.
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About Pasta Salads
Pasta salad uses cooked and cooled pasta tossed with vegetables, cheese, meats or olives. The dressing can be creamy or a simple oil and vinegar. Short shapes like rotini, penne and shells hold the dressing well.
Unlike green salads, pasta salads are made ahead and chilled. They are heartier than fruit salads and softer than slaws. Compared with grain salads, they often have a bolder, tangier dressing.
Questions folks ask
Why does my pasta salad taste dry?
The pasta soaks up dressing as it sits. Stir in a spoonful more before serving.
What pasta shape is best?
Short shapes with ridges or curves, like rotini, shells and penne, hold dressing best.
How far ahead can I make it?
You can make it a day ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge.
Kitchen tips
- Cook the pasta just until tender, then rinse with cold water.
- Save a little dressing to add before serving.
- Cut vegetables small so they mix evenly.
- Chill for at least an hour so flavors blend.
- Salt the pasta water well.