Cold Pasta Salad Recipes - The Perfect Summer Meal

Cold Pasta Salad Recipes - The Perfect Summer Meal

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Need some simple summer meal ideas? Try these cold pasta salads for quick and easy meals in minutes. Using just a few flavorful ingredients and simple preparation, these quick pasta recipes can be put together in no time. Cold pasta salads are the perfect meals for summer or any time you want something quick and easy.

Pasta Salad with Chick Peas and Tomatoes: You will need 2 cups cooked penne pasta, three-quarters cup canned chick peas (rinsed and drained), one-half cup cherry or grape tomatoes (halved), 2 cups baby spinach, one-quarter cup red radishes (halved and thinly sliced), juice of one lemon, and 4 tablespoons olive oil. Directions: Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and place in a bowl with the remainder of the salad ingredients, tossing well to combine. Adjust the lemon juice and/or olive oil, if needed, to taste and season pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. For a little extra boost of flavor try adding some cubes of sharp cheddar cheese or pitted and chopped oil-cured olives. Serving Idea: Serve this quick pasta salad in colorful bowls with a side of cheese breadsticks and a small serving of artichoke hearts sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh ground black pepper. Makes 2-3 serving

Chicken Pasta Salad: You will need, 3 cups cooked pasta (small noodles like rotini, farfalle, or macaroni), 2 cups store bought prepared roasted chicken (roughly chopped), one-half cup celery (medium dice), 2 cups baby spinach, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice. Directions: Prepare pasta according to package directions. When pasta is finished cooking, drain and place in a mixing bowl, along with the chicken, celery and spinach. Either in a jar with a lid or a small bowl, combine the mustard and the lemon juice and mix until thoroughly combined. Add the dressing to the salad ingredients and toss to combine. Let salad marinate for at least an hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop. As you serve each salad you can squeeze on a little more lemon juice if desired. Serving Idea: Serve this quick pasta salad over slices of avocado and mandarin orange sections. Makes 3-4 servings.

Pasta Salad with Avocado Lime Salsa: You will need, 1 pound package of rotini or fusili pasta (cooked according to package directions), one-half cup green pimiento-stuffed olives (chopped), 1 (16oz) jar salsa (your favorite brand), 1 medium size avocado (pit removed, peeled and cut into medium size pieces), and 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice. Directions: Prepare pasta according to package directions and drain. Place pasta and olives in a bowl and mix together. In a separate bowl, combine the salsa, avocado and the lime juice and mix well. Creamier Option: If you want a creamier salsa, simply mash the avocado to your own preference and add to the salsa and lime juice. Serving Idea: Place pasta and vegetables on red cabbage leaves, top with the avocado lime salsa, and some shaved Parmesan cheese along with some garlic bread. Makes 4 servings.

Summer is a great time for quick meals. Pasta salads are the perfect meal choice for flavorful dishes with a minimum of time and effort.

About the Author:
For healthy, flavorful, and uncomplicated recipes, like these cold pasta salads, visit www.quick-salad-recipes.com. This free recipe site is filled with easy solutions for everyday meal planning from breakfast to dessert. Enjoy low-cost meals created with quick recipes that use natural food, short lists of ingredients, and simple preparation.



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