As the summer season approaches, it can be a challenge to come up with light and healthy meals to keep your family full and energized. Spiral pasta salad is a delicious and easy solution to the summertime mealtime conundrum. It's a perfect option to pack for a picnic or to enjoy as a light lunch. You can customize the ingredients to include whatever you have in the fridge and your family loves. Here are some of our favorite spiral pasta salad recipes that will help you make the most of the summer season.
Classic Spiral Pasta Salad
This classic spiral pasta salad is a crowd favorite. It's a great base recipe that can be customized to include whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients:
1 pound spiral pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiral pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, red onion, and bell pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and pour the dressing over the top. Toss to combine.
Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Mediterranean Spiral Pasta Salad
For a Mediterranean twist on your spiral pasta salad, mix in some fresh herbs and flavorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
1 pound spiral pasta
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiral pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, parsley, basil, red onion, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and pour the dressing over the top. Toss to combine.
Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Spicy Southwest Spiral Pasta Salad
If you're looking for a little extra heat in your spiral pasta salad, this spicy version is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients:
1 pound spiral pasta
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1/2 cup diced jalapeno pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiral pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, black beans, corn, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro.
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and pour the dressing over the top. Toss to combine.
Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store spiral pasta salad?
Spiral pasta salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze spiral pasta salad?
No, spiral pasta salad should not be frozen as the pasta will become mushy when thawed.
Do I need to use fresh herbs in my spiral pasta salad?
Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor to your spiral pasta salad, but you can also use dried herbs if you don't have any fresh herbs on hand.
Can I make spiral pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, spiral pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.
Is spiral pasta salad gluten-free?
No, traditional spiral pasta is not gluten-free. However, there are many brands of gluten-free spiral pasta available that can be used to make a gluten-free version of this salad.
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