Three Pasta Salads for a Summer Cookout!

From time to time, Arlene liked to film episodes of At Home outside. Sometimes, that resulted in a beautiful cookout in the Pennsylvania countryside. Other times, it resulted in fighting to stay dry as she grilled in between rain showers.

In this particular episode from 2005, the weather was sunny… perhaps too sunny! As Arlene ended up filming on a blazing hot summer day. Thankfully, she didn’t have to fire up the grill; the three recipes in this show are simple pasta salads that don’t require any cooking, except for boiling noodles (which you can do ahead of time). First up is Jessica’s summer salad, which combines shell pasta with a bunch of colorful veggies in a sweet and sour dressing. Next is a BLT salad with all the ingredients of the sandwich except the bread. Finally, she makes an elegant Swiss apple pasta salad, which combines some unique flavors that are sure to be a hit.

Of course, whether you prepare these salads inside or outside, be sure to keep them nice and cold both when you store them and when you serve them!

Swiss Apple Pasta Salad

When Granny Smith apples are used, you get a tart and sweet contrasting taste which makes this a very delicious pasta salad.
Course Salad, Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb rotini pasta cooked and cooled
  • 3 apples cored and sliced into bite-size pieces
  • 3 slices Swiss cheese cut into 1/4 inch x 2 inch strips
  • 1/2 cup raisins soaked for 2 minutes in a few drops of warm water, then drained
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 Tbsp Grey Poupon mustard
  • salt to taste
  • 2 Tbsp poppy seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and poppy seeds. Using a mixer, beat the dressing very well.
  • Place apples into a large serving bowl and immediately stir in dressing. This will help keep apples from turning brown. Add Swiss cheese, raisins, and well drained pasta. Mix thoroughly. Cover and chill well before serving. Makes 8-10 servings. Enjoy!

Summer Pasta Salad

Jessica Martin
My family makes this for a light lunch. It's always a favorite at picnics.
Course Salad, Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 can tomato soup
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 lb shell pasta cooked, drained, and cooled
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 red and/or green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 large carrot grated
  • 1 zucchini chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine vinegar, oil, sugar, tomato soup, salt, pepper, and mustard; blend well.
  • Place pasta and chopped vegetables into a large bowl. Pour dressing over pasta; mix well. Place in refrigerator to chill. Makes 6 to 8 servings. Enjoy!

BLT Pasta Salad

Course Salad, Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 3 2/3 cups large shell macaroni, cooked and cooled
  • 4 cups tomatoes, cut up
  • 1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 3 cups thinly sliced lettuce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup light sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, mix together shell macaroni, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes.
  • In a small bowl, mix sugar, vinegar, mayonnaise, sour cream, and mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour over shell mixture; stir together, blending well. Chill thoroughly until very cold. Makes 8-10 servings. Enjoy!

Add comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating