15+ Pasta Salad Recipe For Thanksgiving Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 3, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. While traditional dishes such as turkey and mashed potatoes often take center stage, there's no reason not to add a little variety to your holiday menu. Pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful option that can complement your Thanksgiving feast. This pasta salad recipe is not only easy to make, but it's also perfect for Thanksgiving with its festive colors and flavors. Read on to learn how to create this delicious addition to your holiday table.
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Balsamic Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Salt, Ground
This twist on the classic pasta salad incorporates flavors from the Mediterranean region. With ingredients like olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is bursting with bold and tangy flavors. It's the perfect accompaniment to any summer barbecue or picnic.
This classic pasta salad is a staple at any potluck or family gathering. With a mix of colorful vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and hearty chunks of salami and cheese, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Make it ahead of time and let the flavors marinate for an even more delicious dish.
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Classic Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Italian Dressing, Pasta, Artichoke Hearts, Sun Dried
Sometimes, you just can't beat a classic. This pasta salad features all the traditional ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and black olives, but with a homemade dressing that takes it to the next level. It's a simple, yet flavorful dish that will never go out of style.
For a unique and delicious twist on pasta salad, try this Mexican Street Corn version. With roasted corn, spicy jalapenos, and a creamy dressing, this dish is bursting with bold and zesty flavors. It's the perfect side dish for any summertime gathering.
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Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Pasta, White Onion, Sour Cream
For a lighter and refreshing option, try this Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad. With a zesty Greek yogurt dressing and crunchy cucumbers, this dish is a perfect balance of creamy and fresh. It's a great option for those looking for a healthier pasta salad option.
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Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Shredded Carrots, Celery, Red Onion, Frozen
This pasta salad is perfect for ranch lovers. With a creamy ranch dressing, bacon bits, and cheddar cheese, this dish is full of savory flavors. It's a great dish to bring to a potluck or picnic, and is sure to be a hit with everyone.
For a heartier option, try this Greek Chicken Pasta Salad. With chunks of tender chicken, tangy feta cheese, and flavorful olives, this dish is a meal in itself. The addition of a homemade Greek dressing ties all the ingredients together for a truly delicious dish.
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Creamy Southwest Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Southwest Seasoning
This pasta salad is a fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors. With ingredients like black beans, corn, and avocado, it's a fresh and flavorful dish. The creamy dressing adds a touch of richness and ties all the flavors together.
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BLT Ranch Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Plain Greek Yogurt, Mayonnaise, Ranch Dressing Mix
This pasta salad takes inspiration from the classic BLT sandwich. With crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy ranch dressing, this dish is a perfect blend of savory and fresh flavors. It's a great dish to bring to any summer gathering.
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Pomodoro Fresco Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Garlic, Kosher Salt, Balsamic Vinegar, Sugar
For a simple yet flavorful option, try this Pomodoro Fresco Pasta Salad. With just a few ingredients like cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar, this dish is bursting with bright and tangy flavors. It's a perfect side dish for any summer meal.
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Garden Veggie Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Grape Tomatoes, English Cucumber
This pasta salad is a great way to use up all those fresh garden vegetables. With a variety of colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, this dish is packed with nutrients and flavor. The homemade Italian dressing adds a tangy kick to this healthy dish.
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Balsamic Dressing Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Red Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper
This pasta salad is a great option for those who prefer a lighter dressing. The balsamic dressing is tangy and flavorful, but not heavy like traditional creamy dressings. With colorful vegetables and chunks of mozzarella cheese, this dish is a light and refreshing option for any occasion.
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Shrimp and Veggie Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb...
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Olive Oil, Scallions, Shrimp, Red Pepper Flakes
For a seafood twist on pasta salad, try this Shrimp and Veggie Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing. The shrimp adds a touch of protein to the dish, while the lemon-herb dressing adds a zesty and fresh flavor. This dish is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner.
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Easy Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Italian Salad Dressing, Cheddar Cheese, Bell
For a quick and easy option, try this Easy Pasta Salad. With just a few ingredients like bell peppers, olives, and Italian dressing, this dish comes together in no time. It's a great option for those busy days when you still want a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Mango Salsa Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Mango, Tomatoes, Small Red Onion, Green Onions
This pasta salad is a tropical twist on the classic dish. With juicy mango, spicy jalapenos, and a tangy lime dressing, this dish is full of bold and refreshing flavors. It's a great option for a summer barbecue or poolside party.
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Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Olive Oil, Black Olives, Red Bell Pepper
This simple yet delicious pasta salad is a great base for any flavor combination. Add your favorite vegetables, protein, and dressing to make it your own. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste.
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Vegan Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Red Onion, Grape Tomatoes, Green Bell Pepper
This vegan pasta salad is perfect for those following a plant-based diet. With a homemade dressing made from avocado and herbs, this dish is creamy and flavorful without any dairy. Add your favorite vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
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CREAMY TUNA PASTA SALAD
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Salt, Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Pickles, Tuna
This pasta salad is a great way to incorporate protein-rich tuna into your diet. With a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt and a variety of veggies, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
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Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Dill Pickles, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Peas
For a unique and flavorful twist, try this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. With tangy pickles, creamy mayonnaise, and a variety of herbs and spices, this dish is bursting with bold and zesty flavors. It's a perfect side dish for any summer gathering.
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Creamy Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Miracle Whip, Pepper, Pickle Spears, Paprika
This creamy pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser. With a flavorful dressing made from a blend of mayonnaise and sour cream, this dish is indulgent and satisfying. It's a great option for those looking for a more decadent pasta salad.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Pasta:
To start, you'll need 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. We recommend using tri-color rotini to add a pop of color to your dish.
Veggies:
Next, you'll want to chop up some fresh vegetables to add to your pasta salad. We suggest using red and yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and black olives. These colorful and flavorful veggies will not only add a festive touch to your dish, but they'll also provide some much-needed crunch.
Dressing:
A great pasta salad needs a flavorful dressing, and for this recipe, we recommend a balsamic vinaigrette. You'll need balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
The Steps to Make It
Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to rinse it with cold water after cooking to prevent it from sticking together.
Mix in the Veggies:
In a large bowl, mix together your cooked pasta and chopped vegetables. This is a great opportunity to get creative and add any other Thanksgiving-themed veggies you may have on hand, such as butternut squash or dried cranberries.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the balsamic vinaigrette. Pour it over the pasta and veggies and mix until everything is well coated.
Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to marinate and the pasta to absorb the dressing. When ready to serve, give the pasta salad a quick toss and enjoy!
In Conclusion
This pasta salad recipe is a simple yet delicious addition to your Thanksgiving menu. Its festive colors and flavors will impress your guests and provide a refreshing break from the traditional dishes. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, giving you more time to spend with your loved ones. So why not add some pasta salad to your Thanksgiving table this year? Your taste buds will thank you.
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