Cold Pasta Salads - Your Way!

[amber]

I made a pasta salad today. I used elbow macaroni, roma tomatoes, pepperoni, provolone cheese, fresh basil, black olives, parmesan cheese, and the dressing is balsamic vinegar and oil ( I use canolla).

[jkath]

That sounds so good, Amber!

[mish]

Originally Posted by amber

I made a pasta salad today. I used elbow macaroni, roma tomatoes, pepperoni, provolone cheese, fresh basil, black olives, parmesan cheese, and the dressing is balsamic vinegar and oil ( I use canolla).

Amber, that's one of my faves. Reminds me of my antipasti pasta salad - I added in artichokes, roasted red peppers, and salami instead of the pepperoni, cubed mozzarella and a zesty Italian dressing. I love garbanzos too.

[mish]

Originally Posted by Snoop Puss

Hi Kadesma,
I make a salad similar to yours (no shrimp or bacon, though) but with Puy lentils rather than pasta. Might try the bacon idea as there are lots of "hot" lentil recipes with pancetta and cured sausage around. Bet bacon would work well with lentils. Thanks for the tip.

Snoop, must admit, I've never tried lentils either. Did come across an interesting cold pasta salad lentil dish, after reading yours, would love to give them both a try. Thank you.

Lentil Salad With Pasta Shells

http://ww5.bhg.com/recipe/recipedeta...recipeId=36315

Couscous is another treat for a cold salad. Thank you all for you contributions. Keep 'em coming.

[mish]

Aside from homemade Greek pasta salad, a simple pasta salad I liked, came in a box -- don't shoot me from Suddenly Salad. They don't make it anymore. It was the one where you add tuna (but I added bay shrimp or crab), and it included (from memory) peas, shredded carrots, diced onions, pimientos, etc. The little mixing packet was better than a few I've tried, with half the mayo called for. Was pretty good in a pinch. Would like to duplicate/improve the recipe with homemade ingredients. Not a bad deal for a couple of bucks.

[ironchef]

I made this pasta salad as an impromptu dish in culinary school and I still like to bring it to summer bbqs. You can substitute cherry or grape tomatoes if you can't get good quality vine ripened or heirloom tomatoes. It's served warm but you can throw it in the fridge and chill if you'd like:

Spaghettini Salad with Vine Ripened Tomatoes and Mizithra Cheese

Yield: 4-8 servings

Ingredients:

1 pkg. Spaghettini pasta
6 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp. Sherry Vinegar
1 Tbsp. Anchovy Paste or 1 Anchovy fillet
1 Tbsp. Fresh Garlic, finely minced
1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Chili Flakes
10 (approx.) Basil Leaves, chiffonade
1 c. Red Vine Ripened or Heirloom Tomatoes, seeds removed and cut into 1/2" dice
1 c. Yellow Vine Ripened or Heirloom Tomatoes, seeds removed and cut into 1/2" dice
1/2 c. Kalamatta Olives, quartered
2/3 c. Mizithra Cheese, grated or crumbled
Kosher Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper

Method:

Boil 6 quarts of water along with 2 Tbsp. of kosher salt and cook until al dente. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, garlic, anchovy paste/fillet, and red chili flakes until they are incorporated. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and emulsify. Drain the pasta well, and add to the dressing so that the residual heat from the pasta can heat through the garlic. Add the basil, olives, and tomato and toss. Season to taste with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, and sprinkle the cheese on just before serving.

[kimbaby]

I like Macaroni salad...
boil the maaroni till tender drain well
mix in 1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cups bell pepper
1/2 cups cucumber
1/2 cups shrimp
salt pepper
chill for about 1 hour...

[sarah]

Originally Posted by jkath

That sounds so good, Amber!

Hey jkath!!!!!!! how are you doing?good to see you on and posting!!!

[sarah]

Originally Posted by kadesma

Sarah, orzo is a tiny pasta that is shaped just like rice. It is wonderful hot or cold. I like it in this salad, but love it in the winder cooked in chicken stock with sauteed onions,garlic, mushrooms and slaiced almonds and when finished I add some chopped fresh parsley and a daub of butter stir that in and enjoy.
kadesma

ohhh ok! you know orz or ruzz is an arabic word actually which means rice.i thought it would be something like that!

[SharonT]

kadesma - that sounds WONderful. What is in the "slightly sweet dressing"?
Thanks,