Pasta with lots of shapes, nooks, and crannies are the best for pasta salads, becuase they can hold more dressing and small ingredients. Consider any of the following: fusilli, farfalle, rotini, and penne. [4] X Research source
On the other hand, rinsing the pasta will get rid of all that extra salty flavor. Consider tossing the pasta with some olive oil instead, and spreading it on a large baking sheet so that it can cool off. [5] X Research source
De-seed and dice 1 red bell pepper into tiny pieces. Cut 1 cucumber in half. Cut each half into thin slices. If you want to add some protein, cut some ham into small, bite-sized cubes. You will need about 1 cup (grams).
Cut and quarter enough cherry tomatoes to fill 2 cups (400 grams). Cut a medium cucumber in half, lengthwise. Cut each half into slices. Cut 4 green onions into slices. Cut enough pitted kalamata olives to fill 1/3 cup (60 grams).
If you can’t find fresh basil, use 2 teaspoons of dried basil instead. If you can’t find fresh oregano, use 2 teaspoons of dried oregano instead. If you like anchovies, add 1 tablespoon of anchovy paste.
De-seed and chop enough green peppers to fill 2 cups (350 grams). Dice enough tomatoes to fill 2 cups (400 grams). Chop enough red onions to fill 1½ cups (225 grams). Cut 8 ounces (230 grams) of pepperoni into thin slices. Cut the slices in half so you get half-moon shapes. If you were unable to find pre-sliced black olives, you will need to slice them yourself. You’ll need enough to fill ½ cup (90 grams). If you want to add some cheese, cut 8 ounces (250 grams) of provolone cheese into small, bite-sized cubes.
Cooked, chopped chicken breast, steak, or shrimp Cubed ham, roast beef, or salami Drained and flaked canned tuna Chopped hard-boiled eggs Chopped baked tofu
Blanched vegetables, such as: broccoli florets, peas, corn kernels, green beans, or asparagus. Raw vegetables, sliced or diced, such as: celery, cucumber, red onion, red or green bell pepper, carrots, or cherry tomatoes. Drained, canned beans, such as: chickpeas, black beans, or white beans.
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes Chopped roasted red peppers Pitted and chopped olives Shredded or crumbled cheese, such as: mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, feta, Parmesan, or goat Toasted and chopped nuts such as: pine nuts, cashews, or peanuts Toasted seeds such as: sesame (use less than 1/3 cup/50 grams) or sunflower Cooked/fried and crumbled bacon
To make a simple vinaigrette: combine 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 1 minced shallot, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a dash of pepper. To make a creamy dressing: combine 1/3 cup (85 grams) of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of sour cream, 1½ tablespoons of lemon juice, add ½ cup (15 grams) of chopped, mixed herbs. Add a dash of salt and pepper. To male a creamy parmesan dressing: combine ¼ cup (65 grams) of mayonnaise, ¼ cup (65 grams) of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon of finely grated garlic, and ¾ cup (75 grams) of grated parmesan. Add a dash of salt and pepper.
