Cold Pasta Recipes: 5 Easy and Delicious Ideas

Cold pasta is a great option for quick, fresh and versatile meals. Ideal for hot days or just to vary the daily menu, these cold pasta salad recipes combine different ingredients that make them irresistible.

Below, we tell you five easy-to-prepare recipes that you can enjoy at any time of the day.

1. Cold Pasta Salad with Chicken and Pesto

This salad combines the creamy flavor of pesto with the softness of chicken and the freshness of cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients:

300 g of short pasta (fusilli, penne or farfalle)
200 g of cooked and shredded chicken breast
100 g of cherry tomatoes cut in half
100 g of crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons of pesto
1 handful of fresh basil
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking.
In a large bowl, mix the cold pasta with the shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese.
Add the pesto and mix well to coat the ingredients with flavour.
Drizzle with a little olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.
Tip: You can add a crunchy touch with toasted pine nuts or flaked almonds.

2. Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Tuna

Tuna is a classic ingredient in pasta salads and, combined with olives and vegetables, creates an explosion of Mediterranean flavours.

Ingredients:

250g short pasta (macaroni or spirals)
1 can of tuna in oil
1 cucumber, cut into small cubes
1/2 red pepper, diced
100g black olives, sliced
1 small red onion, chopped
100g feta cheese
Juice of 1 lemon
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Cook the pasta in salted water and drain when al dente. Cool under cold water.
In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the crumbled tuna, cucumber, pepper, olives and onion.
Dress with the lemon juice, a splash of olive oil, salt and pepper.
Add the crumbled feta cheese and mix well.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tip: You can substitute the tuna with smoked salmon for a more sophisticated variation.

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3. Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Goat Cheese

Roasted vegetables add a deep, smoky flavour to this recipe, while goat cheese adds creaminess.

Ingredients:

300g pasta
1 eggplant, diced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow pepper, sliced
150g goat cheese, crumbled
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the vegetables on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente and cool under cold water.
In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the roasted vegetables, goat cheese and minced garlic. Dress with balsamic vinegar, more olive oil if necessary, and salt and pepper to taste.
Chill the salad before serving to allow the flavours to intensify.
Tip: Add a sweet touch with a handful of raisins or caramelised walnuts.

4. Caprese Pasta Salad

Traditional Caprese salad, made with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, is transformed into a heartier dish with the addition of pasta.

Ingredients:

250 g penne or fusilli pasta
200 g fresh mozzarella in balls or cubes
200 g cherry tomatoes
1 handful fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Cook the pasta al dente and cool it under cold water.
In a bowl, mix the pasta with the mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
Dress with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to combine.
Tip: For an extra flavour, you can add a touch of pesto to the salad.

5. Pasta Salad with Avocado and Shrimp

Avocado and shrimp are a delicious combination that gives an exotic and refreshing touch to this pasta salad.

Ingredients:

250 g short pasta
200 g cooked and peeled shrimp
1 ripe avocado, diced
100 g fresh spinach
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon chopped coriander
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package and cool it under water.
In a bowl, mix the pasta with the shrimp, avocado and fresh spinach.
Dress with the lime juice, olive oil, coriander, salt and pepper.
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the avocado.
Tip: Add a spicy touch with a little fresh chili or chopped jalapeño.

If you enjoy pasta, at Your Spanish Shop we offer different types of pasta, so you can enjoy it at any time of the day.

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