Annes Colourful Pasta Salad Food

TRICOLORE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• For the dressing: Whisk together the vinegar, oil and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
• For the salad: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, about 9 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly until just warm to the touch, about 5 minutes.
• Add the pasta to the dressing and toss well to coat. Allow to cool to room temperature in the dressing, tossing occasionally. Add the arugula, basil, tomatoes, peppers, cheese and salt and toss well to combine and coat everything in the dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Boil pasta, drain well.
• Chop all vegetables and place in large bowl.
• Mix pasta in with vegetables.
• Add both cheeses, mix well.
• Add salad dressing-- usually requires 1 bottle.
• Refrigerate for 2 hours prior to serving.
• Add fresh salad dressing with each serving.
• Enjoy!

COLORFUL PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• First make the dressing & then set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions and rinse under cold water until cool. Add peppers, onion, pepperoni, mushrooms, broccoli, olives, sun dried tomatoes & feta to pasta & toss. Pour dressing over all & mix well. Chill until time to serve. Enjoy!

COLORFUL VEGGIE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and let cool.
• Brush the corn, yellow squash, zucchini, bell pepper and scallions lightly with oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Grill the corn, turning frequently, until cooked through and the kernels are charred, about 10 minutes. Grill the zucchini and squash slices, turning once, until charred but not mushy, about 2 minutes per side. Grill the pepper slices until they are charred on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Grill the scallions whole, turning them frequently, until charred and soft, about 2 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, lemon juice and zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Cut the yellow squash, zucchini and bell peppers into 1/2-inch pieces and add them to the bowl with the dressing. Cut the kernels off the corn and add them to the zucchini; chop the scallions and add them, too. Add the pasta and grape tomatoes and gently toss until everything is coated with the dressing. Add the parsley, toss and season to taste. Serve at room temperature.

CHEF ANNE'S ALL-PURPOSE PASTA DOUGH

Steps:

• Put the flour on a clean dry work surface. Make a hole (this is also called a well) in the center of the flour pile that is about 8 inches wide (bigger is definitely better here). Crack all of the eggs and the yolk into the hole and add the olive oil, salt and water.
• Using a fork beat the eggs together with the olive oil, water and salt. Using the fork, begin to incorporate the flour into the egg mixture; be careful not to break the sides of the well or the egg mixture will run all over your board and you will have a big mess! Also, dont worry about the lumps. When enough flour has been incorporated into the egg mixture that it will not run all over the place when the sides of the well are broken, begin to use your hands to really get everything well combined. If the mixture is tight and dry, wet your hands and begin kneading with wet hands. When the mixture has really come together to a homogeneous mixture, THEN you can start kneading.
• When kneading it is VERY important to put your body weight into it, get on top of the dough to really stretch it and not to tear the dough. Using the heels of your palms, roll the dough to create a very smooooooth, supple dough. When done the dough should look VERY smooth and feel almost velvety. Kneading will usually take from 8 to 10 minutes for an experienced kneader and 10 to 15 for an inexperienced kneader. Put your body weight into it, you need to knead! This is where the perfect, toothsome texture of your pasta is formed. Get in there and have fun!
• When the pasta has been kneaded to the perfect consistency, wrap it in plastic and let rest for at least 1 hour. If using immediately do not refrigerate.
• Roll and cut the pasta into desired shape.
• How smooth and supple!

CLASSIC PASTA SALAD WITH MOZZARELLA, AVOCADO AND BASIL

Steps:

• To prepare the dressing, in a large bowl, whisk together shallot, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk in oil. Taste and add more salt and-or lemon juice if needed.
• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until it is just al dente, usually a minute less than the package instructions. Drain well. While still warm, add the pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss well. Let pasta cool, soaking up the dressing.
• In a medium bowl, gently toss together avocado, lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
• Just before serving, add tomato, cucumber, mozzarella and Parmesan to the bowl with the pasta and toss well. Gently fold in avocado and basil.
• Drizzle with olive oil, cracked black pepper and salt to taste before serving.