southern pasta salad recipes

When it comes to summer cookouts and gatherings, pasta salad is a staple side dish. It's easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is always a crowd-pleaser. But why settle for the same old pasta salad recipe when you can add a Southern twist to it?

Southern pasta salads are packed with flavor and often incorporate ingredients that are popular in Southern cuisine, such as sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and tangy barbecue sauce. In this post, we'll be sharing some of our favorite Southern pasta salad recipes that are sure to become a hit at your next get-together.

Classic Southern Pasta Salad

Source: bing.com

This recipe is a classic for a reason. It's simple to prepare and features all the classic flavors of a Southern pasta salad.IngredientsDirections1 pound elbow macaroniCook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.1/2 cup mayonnaiseIn a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.1/4 cup apple cider vinegarAdd macaroni, bell pepper, onion, celery, and carrots to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture. Stir to combine.2 tablespoons sugarRefrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1 red bell pepper, chopped1/2 cup chopped onion1/2 cup chopped celery1/2 cup chopped carrots

Note: For best results, allow the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Southern Barbecue Pasta Salad

Source: bing.com

This pasta salad recipe combines the smoky flavors of barbecue sauce with the sweetness of corn and the creaminess of avocado.IngredientsDirections1 pound rotini pastaCook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.1/2 cup barbecue sauceIn a large bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.1/2 cup mayonnaiseAdd pasta, corn, black beans, avocado, and red onion to the bowl with the barbecue sauce mixture. Stir to combine.2 tablespoons yellow mustardRefrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar1 tablespoon sugar1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1 can corn, drained1 can black beans, drained and rinsed1 avocado, diced1/2 red onion, diced

Note: This pasta salad is best served cold, so be sure to refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

Source: bing.com

This pasta salad recipe is perfect for using up all the fresh summer vegetables from your garden or local farmer's market.IngredientsDirections1 pound fusilli pastaCook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.1/2 cup olive oilIn a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.1/4 cup lemon juiceAdd pasta, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion to the bowl with the olive oil mixture. Stir to combine.2 cloves garlic, mincedRefrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved1 cucumber, sliced1 red bell pepper, chopped1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Note: This pasta salad is best served cold, so be sure to refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Salad

Source: bing.com

This pasta salad recipe is a delicious twist on the classic spinach and artichoke dip. It's creamy, tangy, and perfect for any occasion.IngredientsDirections1 pound bowtie pastaCook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.1/2 cup mayonnaiseIn a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.1/2 cup sour creamAdd pasta, spinach, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture. Stir to combine.2 tablespoons lemon juiceRefrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.2 cloves garlic, minced1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper4 cups baby spinach1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Note: This pasta salad is best served cold, so be sure to refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad

Source: bing.com

This pasta salad recipe combines the heat of Cajun seasoning with the sweetness of shrimp and the crunch of fresh vegetables.IngredientsDirections1 pound rotini pastaCook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.1/2 cup mayonnaiseIn a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.1/2 cup Greek yogurtAdd pasta, shrimp, bell pepper, celery, and green onions to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture. Stir to combine.2 tablespoons lemon juiceRefrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined1 red bell pepper, chopped1/2 cup chopped celery4 green onions, chopped

Note: This pasta salad is best served cold, so be sure to refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Source: bing.com

This pasta salad recipe combines the flavors of cheesy bacon ranch dip with tender pasta and fresh vegetables.IngredientsDirections1 pound rotini pastaCook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.1/2 cup ranch dressingIn a large bowl, mix together ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.1/2 cup sour creamAdd pasta, tomatoes, broccoli, bacon, and cheddar cheese to the bowl with the ranch dressing mixture. Stir to combine.2 cloves garlic, mincedRefrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved2 cups broccoli florets, chopped1/2 pound cooked bacon, chopped1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Note: This pasta salad is best served cold, so be sure to refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it, six delicious Southern pasta salad recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you're looking for a classic pasta salad recipe or something with a little more heat, there's a recipe on this list for everyone.

Remember, the key to a great pasta salad is to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a refreshing and delicious side dish that will complement any summer meal.

Related video of Southern Pasta Salad Recipes: A Delicious Twist on Classic Pasta Salad