Pioneer Woman Pasta Salad Recipes

CHIPOTLE MOZZARELLA PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain it, rinse under cool water and set aside in a large bowl.
• Combine the mayonnaise and milk in a medium bowl, then add 2 tablespoons vinegar and stir until smooth. Add the chipotles in adobo sauce and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Stir the dressing until combined. Give it a taste and add more vinegar if you'd like it to have a bit more bite. Add more adobo sauce if you'd like it to have a little more heat.
• Drizzle the dressing over the pasta, then throw in the tomatoes and cucumber and add the cheese. Stir the pasta around, then add the basil and stir until just combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
• Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with more basil.

SUNSHINE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• For the sunshine dressing: Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper to a medium bowl and whisk until combined.
• For the salad: Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. Allow the pasta to dry slightly before assembling; this will help the dressing really adhere to the pasta.
• Pour the dressing over the pasta in a large bowl and toss to coat. Add the yellow and grape tomatoes, corn, bell peppers and banana peppers and toss gently until evenly mixed. Arrange the salad onto a serving platter and garnish with the lemon slices.

ASIAN NOODLE SALAD

Steps:

• For the salad: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti to al dente according to the package directions. Drain, rinse and let cool.
• Mix together the cooked spaghetti, carrots, peppers, bean sprouts, cucumbers, scallions, cilantro, napa cabbage, purple cabbage and kale. Add the peanuts and toss together.
• For the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, sesame oil and garlic in a medium bowl.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and mix together with tongs or your hands. If the salad seems a little dry, just mix up a little more of the wet ingredients of the dressing and throw it in. It's a very organic process.
• Transfer to a large platter and serve.

KID-FRIENDLY PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Then drain and rinse in cold water until cool. Set aside.
• Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and throw into a large skillet. Saute until slightly crisp, and then remove to a paper-towel-lined-plate.
• For the dressing, mix the mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, salt, and sugar if using in a small bowl.
• Stir together the pasta, dressing, tomatoes, bacon, Cheddar and green onions in a large mixing bowl. Taste for seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
• Stir in the basil at the end.

PRIMAVERA PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until no longer hot; set aside.
• To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, milk, sour cream, parsley, chives, mint, lemon zest and juice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 2 tablespoons Parmesan in a small bowl. Set aside. Before tossing, splash in more milk if needed for thinning.
• In a large bowl, combine the pasta, broccoli, tomatoes, peas, asparagus, carrots and leeks. Pour over the dressing and toss to coat. Top with the remaining tablespoon of Parmesan and some black pepper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.