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18 Pasta Salads That Changed the Way We Look at Pasta

Little elbow noodles with mayo and a few diced veggies…if this is what you think of when you hear “pasta salad”, boy oh boy do we have a whole world of pasta salads to introduce you to! Asian-inspired, Italian tributes, vegetarian, potluck ready – 18 in all – and all are hearty enough to be the main course!

Asian Steak & Noodle Salad With Mint & Peanuts

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Photo credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

Embrace the vibrant flavors of Asia with our Asian Steak & Noodle Salad featuring tender slices of steak, fresh mint, and crunchy peanuts tossed with extra-wide rice noodles. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a refreshing weeknight meal. Get the Asian Steak & Noodle Salad with Mint and Peanuts. 

Asian Tofu Noodle Papaya Salad

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Photo credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

This is a salad that is truly a main dish: noodles for carb satisfaction, tofu for protein, papaya for color, texture and sweet flavor and a sauce with sambal oelek, fish sauce, sugar, ginger, soy sauce and lime. Flavor packed! Get the Asian Tofu Noodle Papaya Salad recipe.

Macaroni Slaw

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Photo credit: Dédé Wilson.

Another one of our super popular “mash-ups”. This time macaroni salad and coleslaw are combined for an all-new side-dish that might become the most requested. Bring this to a summer cookout featuring rice-based elbows and be prepared to be asked for the recipe. Makes a great light main dish lunch, too. Get the Macaroni Slaw recipe.

Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad with Avocado

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Photo credit Dédé Wilson.

Our Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad with Avocado was created when I decided to have a strawberry party during peak strawberry season. The idea was that everybody coming would bring a dish highlighting this versatile berry, but of course I was going to provide several recipes as well. This pasta salad was very well received. gGluten-free pasta is combined with juicy, sweet strawberries, salty feta, lush avocado and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Get the recipe.

Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

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Photo credit: Meeta Arora.

Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing side dish, made with orzo pasta, grape tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil. This easy orzo pasta salad is so quick to make, perfect to take to a picnic or get-together. Get the recipe.

BBQ Pasta Salad

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Photo credit: Alexandra Caspero.

A pasta salad for BBQ lovers! Elbow noodles, corn, tomatoes, scallions, chewy BBQ tofu crumbles and a creamy dressing. A fun twist on pasta salad! Get the recipe.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

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Photo credit: Dédé Wilson.

Tender noodles (we used rice-based casarecce), feta, cucumbers, tomatoes and bell peppers. A main dish pasta salad – that happens to be gluten-free – will transport you to the Mediterranean. Get the recipe for Mediterranean Pasta Salad. 

Thai Basil Steak Salad

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Photo credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

Elevate your steak salad game with an Asian-inspired twist, featuring slippery rice noodles, tender steak, and a medley of aromatic flavors, promising a culinary symphony for the senses. Get the Thai Basil Steak Salad recipe.

Zoodles Noodles & Sprouts Salad

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Photo credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

Experience a fiber-rich culinary delight with spiralized zucchini and skinny rice noodles, presenting a hearty salad that satisfies your cravings while nourishing your body. Get the Zoodles Noodles & Sprouts Salad recipe.

Tofu pasta salad

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Photo credit Gina Matsoukas.

Tofu pasta salad is an easy, light and healthy meal or side dish bursting with fresh summer vegetables and an easy balsamic dressing. A protein packed way to enjoy pasta salad while keeping it plant-based. Get the recipe.

Greek pasta Salad

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Photo credit Gina Matsoukas.

This Greek pasta salad is a healthy spin on the classic side dish and filled with fresh veggies! Get the recipe.

tortellini pasta salad

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Photo credit Inquiring Chef.

There are lots of versions of tortellini pasta salad floating around, but what I love about this version is the dressing. Many recipes use store-bought Italian Vinaigrette (which works great – so feel free to just grab some to save time!), but I love the fresh flavor of this simple vinaigrette that is made with red wine vinegar and pantry staples.

This dish is great as leftovers for lunch, especially if the weather is hot and you don’t want to heat anything up. Get the recipe.

Tuna Macaroni Salad

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Photo credit: Dédé Wilson.

A mash up of classic macaroni salad – with tuna added! Protein and pasta with a creamy dressing. A family favorite. Get the recipe.

Healthy Greek Pasta Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing

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Photo credit The Foodess.

I adore a good Greek Pasta Salad on a warm night when I can eat outside in the evening sun. It’s a crowd-pleasing side dish to a BBQ and leftovers double as a yummy weekday lunch. 

MY version is easy, healthy and packed with vegetables. In fact I almost called this recipe Salad Pasta instead of Pasta Salad. It’s really a salad with pasta playing the role of crouton more than the star. Get the recipe.

cream cheese BLT pasta salad

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Photo credit Gina Matsoukas.

This cream cheese BLT pasta salad is topped with garlic butter breadcrumbs. Get the recipe.

Fusilli Pasta Salad With Chickpeas & Feta

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Photo credit: Dédé Wilson.

Easy-to-make pasta salad with fusilli, chickpeas, feta, tomatoes, bell peppers, dill, and mint with a mustardy white wine vinaigrette. Get the recipe.

Chopped Italian Pasta Salad

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Photo credit: Alexandra Caspero.

Chopped Italian Pasta Salad! The perfect pasta salad for summer, picnics and cookouts. Loaded with vegetables and beans. Vegetarian, easily vegan. Get the recipe for Chopped Italian Pasta Salad.

Spicy Sichuan Noodles & Shrimp Salad

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Spicy Sichuan Noodles & Shrimp Salad. Photo Credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

Loads of carrot and cucumber slivers, along with bean sprouts, make this a nutritious, colorful and delicious salad. We used 3mm rice noodles, but you could use any long shaped rice-based pasta you like. The sauce is easy to make with soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, vinegar, rice wine and ginger. Red pepper flakes add heat. Get the Spicy Sichuan Noodles & Shrimp Salad recipe.

24 Zucchini Recipes To Rotate All Summer Long

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Image credit CRISTIAN IONUT ZAHARIA via Shutterstock.

Zucchini recipes are a fantastic addition to any diet, offering a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Zucchini is low in calories and high in essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Zucchini’s mild flavor and tender texture make it a perfect ingredient for a variety of dishes, from air-fried chips, skillet lasagna with zucchini for flavor and moisture, soups, meatballs, roasted ratatouille, and even baked goods like zucchini bread (in several flavors: lemon! chocolate!). We think you will find inspiration in our 24 zucchini-centric recipes. Including directions on how to freeze for year-round enjoyment. READ: 24 Zucchini Recipes To Rotate All Summer Long

40 Versatile Variations Of Pesto: Fast, Fresh & Fantastic!

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Photo credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

Pesto is a flavorful green sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. It has a strong, aromatic taste and bright green color. Pesto can be used as a sauce, a spread, or an ingredient to add flavor to other dishes.The classic way to use pesto is tossed with pasta. However, there are many other ways to enjoy pesto that we’ll explore here. You can use it in Instant Pot and slow cooker meals, vegan recipes, hand pies, chicken wings, salads, main courses, soups, appetizers, and more. Pesto doesn’t have to be made with just basil and pine nuts. We’ve got recipes using sun-dried tomatoes, wild garlic, capers, kale, parsley, arugula, cilantro, walnuts, almonds and more. Check out these 40 pesto recipes!

Unlocking The Power Of Fermented Foods For Gut Health

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Image credit casanisa via Shutterstock.

More people are increasingly mindful of their health, with a growing interest in understanding the role of the gut microbiome in promoting overall well-being. The consumption of fermented foods has garnered considerable attention as a way to support a healthy gut ecosystem. The idea of “fermented” foods might seem odd at first, but most of us are familiar with traditional pickles, and yogurt, to name possibly the two most common fermented items in the supermarket, and perhaps your own refrigerator. There is a diverse array of fermented foods that have the potential to transform and enhance your gut health – and to bring flavor to your meals. We have what you need to know!

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Author

  • Dede Wilson

    Dédé Wilson is a journalist with over 17 cookbooks to her name and is the co-founder and managing partner of the digital media partnership Shift Works Partners LLC, currently publishing through two online media brands, FODMAP Everyday® and The Queen Zone.

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