Whether for a potluck, a picnic, or just an easy weeknight meal, pasta salad is a summer staple. Try these new twists on the classic idea for family meals that will keep you inspired and nourished all season long.
Basil Pesto Pasta Salad with Peas
Combine one pound of your family’s favorite short pasta shape—Rotini, Penne, or Farfalle all work well—with 1 jar Barilla Rustic Basil Pesto Sauce and 2 cups petite peas. Serve at room temperature for a simple salad everyone will love. Nutrition facts, per 1-cup serving: 308 calories, 10 g protein, 48 g carb., 9 g fat, 299 mg sodium, 4 g fiber.
Lemony Pesto Pasta Salad with Asparagus
Stir one pound Barilla Fettuccine with 1 jar Barilla Rustic Basil Pesto Sauce and the juice of 1 lemon. Toss with quick-roasted cut asparagus and serve at room temperature topped with shredded Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Nutrition facts, per 1-cup serving: 335 calories, 10 g protein, 46 g carb., 13 g fat, 340 mg sodium, 4 g fiber.
Greek Pasta Salad with Feta and Tomatoes
A pound of Barilla Farfalle pasta, 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1 cup pitted and halved kalamata olives, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup sliced and halved cucumbers, and 1 cup Barilla Marinara Sauce transform basic ingredients into a satisfying dish to share. Sprinkle with cracked black pepper and serve warm. Nutrition facts, per 1-cup serving: 252 calories, 8 g protein, 38g carb., 8 g fat, 539 mg sodium, 2 g fiber.
Taco Pasta Salad
Combine one pound of Barilla Elbow Pasta, 2 15-ounce cans rinsed and drained black beans, 2 cups thawed frozen sweet corn, and 1½ cups warmed Fire-Roasted Tomato Sauce. Serve topped with 1 cup shredded Mexican-style four-cheese blend, 1 sliced avocado, and crushed yellow tortilla chips. Nutrition facts, per 1-cup serving: 292 calories, 13 g protein, 51 g carb., 6 g fat, 368 mg sodium, 7 g fiber.
Fresh Tomato-Basil Pasta Salad with Zucchini
Stir together one pound of freshly cooked Barilla Penne pasta with 1 cup Barilla Tomato-Basil Sauce. Add 2 cups finely diced zucchini, 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes, 8 ounces bite-size fresh mozzarella balls, and ½ cup freshly chopped basil leaves for a tastes-like-summer dish that your family will love all year long. Serve warm. Nutrition facts, per 1-cup serving: 241 calories, 11 g protein, 39 g carb., 5 g fat, 154 mg sodium, 3 g fiber.
Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad with Smoked Mozzarella
Add more flavor to tonight’s dinner with this easy method: Toss 6 cups of your family’s favorite veggies—zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, and/or cauliflower—with 2 tablespoons olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Roast at 400°F for 15-18 minutes or until tender, then toss with one pound of Barilla Penne or Rotini Pasta and 8 ounces diced smoked mozzarella cheese. Nutrition facts, per 1-cup serving: 266 calories, 12 g protein, 37 g carb., 9 g fat, 211 mg sodium, 3 g fiber.
Spaghetti and Corn Salad with Blueberries and Goat Cheese
Super fresh summer corn—or frozen thawed sweet corn—doesn’t need much to make it delicious. Toss 4 3 cups sweet corn with one pound of Barilla Spaghetti, 1 6.3-ounce jar Rustic Basil Pesto Sauce, and 1 cup crumbled goat cheese. Gently stir in blueberries and top with ½ cup crumbled goat cheese for a spaghetti salad to remember. Nutrition facts, per 1-cup serving: 455 calories, 17 g protein, 61 g carb., 17 g fat, 314 mg sodium, 4 g fiber.
