Pasta Salad For Bbq Recipes: Perfect Summer Side Dish
byPedes Manies•
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Best Creamy Pasta Salad for a BBQ from dailydishrecipes.com
Introduction
Summer is the perfect time for outdoor barbecues, and there's nothing quite like a delicious pasta salad to complement the smoky flavors of grilled meats. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or attending a potluck, pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to prepare and customize to your liking. In this article, we'll share some of our favorite pasta salad recipes that are sure to impress your guests and make your BBQ a hit.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pasta Salad
Before we dive into the recipes, let's go over some tips for making the perfect pasta salad. First and foremost, choose a pasta shape that will hold up well in the salad. Avoid delicate shapes like angel hair or spaghetti, and opt for sturdier shapes like fusilli, penne, or rotini. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from getting mushy. Next, choose a variety of colorful vegetables to add flavor and texture to your salad. Some great options include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and olives. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and mix them together with the pasta. For the dressing, you can use a store-bought variety or make your own. A classic vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard is always a safe bet, but you can also experiment with creamy dressings made with Greek yogurt or mayo. Finally, don't forget to add some protein to your salad. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all great options, or you can keep it vegetarian with beans or cheese.
Classic Pasta Salad
Ingredients: - 1 pound fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, chopped - 1 cup bell pepper, chopped - 1/2 cup red onion, chopped - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions: 1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain. 2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. 4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients: - 1 pound penne pasta - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed - 1/2 cup basil leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions: 1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain. 2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. 4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Southwest Pasta Salad
Ingredients: - 1 pound rotini pasta - 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels - 1/2 cup red onion, chopped - 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup lime juice - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions: 1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain. 2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, black beans, corn, red onion, and cilantro. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. 4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious side dish that's perfect for summer barbecues. With these recipes, you can easily customize your salad to your liking and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Remember to choose a sturdy pasta shape, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful dressing, and don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Happy grilling!
