Cold pasta salad for luau party?

We are having a surpise 50th for my aunt. It is a luau theme.

Any ideas for a good cold pasta salad?

Re: Cold pasta salad for luau party?

Yes... I had this pasta salad at my aunt's house recently and I've been obsessed with it.

bowtie pasta, garlic, brocolli, sliced zucchini, grated cheese... u can throw in whatever other veggies u might like too... u just sautee the veggies in garlic and oil and add it to the cooked pasta... then add enough grated cheese....basically it's just like making a pasta with veggies with garlic and oil and letting it cool in the fridge... sounds simple but it's so delish!

Re: Cold pasta salad for luau party?

Luau....I think a citrus pasta salad. I found this online:

Citrus Pasta Salad

2 cups cold, cooked whole-wheat pasta. (Whatever kind you like, but a pasta with lots of curves and swirls, like rotini or shells, will hold the dressing better. This is a great use for leftover pasta.)

One 12-ounce (340 grams) bag frozen "steamer" spring-mix vegetables in a citrus sauce, or no sauce at all. (I used Season's Choice brand, but there are many others.The vegetables should include snap peas and asparagus. Avoid mixes in a buttery or cheese sauce for this recipe.)

1 Tablespoon orange juice concentrate

1 Tablespoon low-fat raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing

1 Tablespoon mint, coarsely chopped or snipped with kitchen shears

Fresh ground black pepper to taste.

Cook the vegetables in the microwave according to the package directions. Mix with the cold pasta, juice concentrate, and salad dressing. Add a little fresh-ground black pepper and snips of fresh mint. Chill. Make 24 to 48 hours in advance, to allow the flavors to marry.

Re: Cold pasta salad for luau party?

My aunt's recipe. So good!

Farfalle Salad

When adding the pesto and hot water to the pasta, taste to get a good balance of flavor and texture.

1 each yellow and red bell pepper, stemmed, cored, and diced (1/4 inch)
1 medium-sized red onion, diced (1/4 inch)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed and cooked in boiling water for 3 minutes
3 scallions, thinly sliced
½ cup chopped pitted black olives
1tbsp olive oil
1 pound farfalle pasta
1 cup prepared pesto
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. combine the peppers, onion, peas, scallions, and olives in a bowl. Reserve.

2. bring a large pot of salted water to a boil with the olive oil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water. Remove the pasta to a bowl and toss with ¼ cup of the pasta with water.

3. add the pesto and reserved vegetables to the pasta; toss to combine. Toss with cheese and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Let it rest at room temperature. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Add more pesto and hot water to thin if necessary.