This is one of my fave cold pasta salad dishes for a take-along to bbqs, picnics, or when it's too hot to cook. Here's the basic idea, that I change out w fresh veggies in season, salad dressings of choice & I add more cheese & dressing. The recipe doubles well, adjust the seasonings to taste. I serve it in a large clear V-shaped bowl, but a clear trifle dish will work too.
Layered Picnic Pasta Salad
Other ideas/add-ins:
Shredded cheese - sharp cheddar, monterey jack, colby, feta, or mozzarella/parm combo
Roasted sweet red peppers
Marinated artichoke hearts
garbanzo beans
sliced black olives
Tomatoes - halved cherry, romas, pear or grape
sliced hard boiled eggs
Steamed and cooled asparagus
Diced or thinly sliced red onions
Salad dressing of choice - There are lots of choices out there, Italian, creamy cucumber, etc
Pancetta or bacon
diced avaocado
As a main dish other possiblities as add-ins
tuna
salmon
shrimp
crab
Pasta - I prefer bow ties or cheese-filled tortelinni, but you could change it out with other med shaped pasta of choice or cheese-filled ravioli.
Just a few ideas to play around with. Enjoy.
Layered Picnic Pasta Salad
Other ideas/add-ins:
Shredded cheese - sharp cheddar, monterey jack, colby, feta, or mozzarella/parm combo
Roasted sweet red peppers
Marinated artichoke hearts
garbanzo beans
sliced black olives
Tomatoes - halved cherry, romas, pear or grape
sliced hard boiled eggs
Steamed and cooled asparagus
Diced or thinly sliced red onions
Salad dressing of choice - There are lots of choices out there, Italian, creamy cucumber, etc
Pancetta or bacon
diced avaocado
As a main dish other possiblities as add-ins
tuna
salmon
shrimp
crab
Pasta - I prefer bow ties or cheese-filled tortelinni, but you could change it out with other med shaped pasta of choice or cheese-filled ravioli.
Just a few ideas to play around with. Enjoy.
Last edited: