Pasta Appetizer Recipes
Honey Dijon Pasta Salad and Tortellini Skewers
Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, but it doesn't have to be the main course! A sweet , tangy pasta salad and simple tortellini skewers put pasta on the party food menu.
When you think of appetizer recipes, pasta doesn't usually come to mind. Pasta is versatile and goes with all kinds of flavours, making it simple to dress up for guests.
Honey Dijon Pasta Salad
This is a great twist on the classic pasta salad. The honey-mustard dressing is kicked up a notch by using Dijon instead of yellow mustard. The sweetness of the honey balances perfectly with the tangy Dijon.
Many substitutions can be made in this recipe. Add fiber by using whole wheat pasta, or colour by using tri-coloured or spinach pasta. Substitute kidney beans or chick peas for the black beans, or swap out the suggested vegetables for personal favourites. Additions like chopped black olives, grated zucchini, or even toasted walnuts can add new elements to this salad.
Perfect for a buffet, barbeque, or picnic, Honey Dijon Pasta Salad is a wonderful appetizer or side dish that will surprise and delight guests.
Honey Dijon Pasta Salad Recipe
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons liquid honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- salt and pepper to taste
Cook pasta in salted, boiling water until al dente (cooked through but still slightly firm); drain and rinse in cold water. Set aside and allow to drain completely.
In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and cumin; mix well with a fork until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, beans, tomatoes, carrot, and onion. Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss gently to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Cover and refrigerate at least four hours before serving.
Makes four servings.
Tortellini Skewers
This could possibly be the easiest appetizer recipe out there! Tender tortellini is cooked and threaded on skewers along with crisp vegetables, and served with a zesty dipping sauce. A good quality tomato sauce is just perfect for these delicious dippers, but pesto or alfredo sauce could also be used.
Serve these appetizers on a small plate for a seated dinner, with individual dishes of sauce. For a party, pile them on a plate and leave dishes of different sauces on the side.
Tortellini Skewers Recipe
- 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and sliced
- 24 button mushrooms
- 24 wooden skewers
- good quality tomato sauce for dipping
Cook tortellini until al dente (cooked through but still slightly firm). Thread pasta on skewers between chunks of vegetables.
Just before serving, warm tomato sauce on the stove or in the microwave. Serve with skewers. Skewers can be served hot or cold.
Makes 24 skewers.
