Cold Pasta Salad Recipe

This is the recipe that I have used forever with my kids and grandkids.

I use the spiral vegetable noodles(the are red, green and white
Fat free Italian dressing
onions(depending on who is eating it and who will eat onions)
sliced ripe olives(small can drained)
shredded cheese
Cook the noodles and when done put in a strainer and run cold water over. Mix everything else in a large bowl and put in fridge. You cvan add any veggies that your family will eat.(tomatoes, cucumbers,carrots etc) If it has been setting a while you will need to stir before eating.
Enjoy!!!

2 moms found this helpful

super easy pasta salad

mini bow tie pasta
wishbone romano basil italian dressing
shredded parmesan cheese

my family loves for me to add the following:
real or packaged crumbled bacon
canned tomatos - diced fire roasted tomato or diced tomatos with roasted garlic or sweet onions

2 moms found this helpful

Hey,
There is a recipe I love on the bottle of McCormic Salad Supreme (in the spice isle). I make it with the screw type pasta (to get more surface area for the dressing). I usually do the pasta the night before and soak it with about 1/2 to 2/3 of the small bottle of Fat Free Italian dressing and part of the recommended amt of the spice. The next day I add as many veggies as I have on hand such as onion, green pepper, cucumber, tomatoe and olives. Sometimes I will add pepperoni for a meat lover. I add the dressing I have left over and the rest of the amt of the spice (or more if I want) and mix it up for the best pasta salad you have ever tasted!
Good eating!
B.

1 mom found this helpful

I have gotten many compliments at picnics and parties on this one. My 12 mo old can't get enough. I think it tastes better when I make it the night before and it sits.

Best Pasta Salad
1 pkg (8 oz) pasta - rotini, elbows, bow-tie, whatever you have on hand.
cherry tomatoes cut in half- lots, but really however many you like.
1-2 cans/jars artichoke hearts - I prefer the ones marinated to add the extra flavor but you can get the ones in water too. I cut them in half to make smaller pieces.

Dressing:
3 cloves minced garlic - or 3 spoons of the jarred minced garlic
1/2 cup white, red or rice vinegar - I use whatever I have on hand
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - if you use artichokes marinated you can use that oil.
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t dried oregano or 1/4 c fresh oregano chopped
1/2 t dried basil or 1/3 cup fresh basil
1/3 c fresh dill
1/2 c fresh parsley

Note - Try to use at least some fresh herbs. I think that is what makes it so good. Use whatever herbs you have available. I usually end up using dried oregano and fresh basil and parsley and it is great.

Cook pasta according to directions - drain and rinse with cold water. Place in a large bowl, add tomatoes and artichokes
In a small tupperware combine all dried spices, garlic, vinegar and oil and shake until mixed. Pour over pasta mix and stir to combine. Add fresh herbs. Mix again. If it seems too dry just add a little extra olive oil. Chill before serving. Sitting over night brings the flavors together even more.

1 mom found this helpful

My 14 month old loves cold pasta!! I boil anytype of pasta drain it then I add cooked frozen peas, carrots or corn. I mix it with a small amount of ranch dressing. It is so simply to make and She loves it!!

Hi T.,

I simply use fun shaped pasta, fresh veggies: bell peppers, sweet onions, brocolli, cauliflower, asparagus, tomatoes (squeeze out the seeds) what ever I have on hand. From the deli, use mozzarella or provolone, pepperoni, ham. You can add black olives, fresh mushrooms, a sprinkling of fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. Toss with your favorite Italian dressing and parmesan cheese and you have a great meal. Use what you have on hand. If it can go on a pizza, then it's appropriate for an Italian pasta salad.

My family has this pasta salad requently:

SHRIMP MACARONI SALAD

4 cups cooked macaroni shells
1 lb. boiled shrimp
¼ lb. cheese, cubed
1 stalk celery, chopped
½ green pepper, chopped
1 med. onion, chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
3 Tbsp. vinegar
Salt & pepper, to taste

Mix together shells, shrimp, cheese and seasoning. Stir in mayo, sour cream, vinegar, and salt & pepper. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving.

Enjoy and happy eating.

What I usually do is get the animal shaped pasta boil it and just add things that I know my DD will like. They make Italian dressing that doesn't have any ick in it. I'm sure there are many but we use the "Walden Farms" brand. Then just start putting things in it that he likes. That way it isn't the same recipe all of the time. Good Luck, I know how hard it is to find food that the little one's will eat.

I love the suddenly salad pasta as well. I make it like the directions say only skip the dressing, instead of italian dressing I use olive oil. (not equal parts) I just eyeball it so that the mixture is gummy. my family loved it!