Easy and good pasta salad

I usually make an easy one, but just wanted some suggestions or other ideas to change it up a bit.

Thanks!

Re: Easy and good pasta salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

-Bow Tie pasta
-Cherry Tomatoes (cut in half)
-Fresh Mozzarella mini Balls (found in supermarket cheese section near deli or BJ's)
-Fresh Basil (Shredded)
-I use Good seasons Italian Dressing (The powder one where you dd oil, ving, water)
-Salt Pepper
Mix it all up.

Message edited 8/2/2013 11:04:28 AM.

Re: Easy and good pasta salad

Re: Easy and good pasta salad

I usually do a tri-colored pasta with : pepperoni, cheese, broccoli, red onion, artichokes, roasted red peppers, and black olives. And Italian dressing.

Re: Easy and good pasta salad

3/4 pound Bowties or Orichette with

baby tomatoes cut in half (I like a variety of grape, zima, yellow, baby kumato)
haricot verts or string beans cut in half, boiled for 6 minutes with the pasta
mozzarella pearls or feta cheese
fresh chopped oregano and parsley with the mozzarella,
dill and parsley with the feta

dressing : 1/4 cup olive oil, 2-3 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 clove garlic smashed, salt & pepper.

Toss the tomatoes and cheese with the dressing. Cook and drain the pasta, rinse a little under cold water to stop the cooking and toss with tomatoes/cheese.
Serve warm or cold.

The first time I served it, I made grilled shrimp with it. What a great summer meal.

Re: Easy and good pasta salad

I'm a Caprese Pasta fan too.
I just recently made a version where you heat the EVOO with red pepper flakes, minced garlic, salt, & pepper. Allow it to cool, then toss with the pasta & a good balsamic. Then add the cheese, basil.

I'll sometimes add olives, roasted red peppers, meats &/or other cheeses too.

Re: Easy and good pasta salad

We do:

whole wheat penne, with sun-dried tomatoes (soak in a bit of warm water and cut in thin strips) with blanched broccoli and kalamata olives, with EVOO, a splash of red-wine vinegar and parm.