Mediterranean Pesto Pasta Salad Food

PESTO PASTA RECIPE WITH TOMATOES AND MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 450 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.
• In a larger bowl, toss the tomatoes with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Transfer to a sheet-pan and bake in heated oven 25 to 35 minutes or just until the tomatoes collapse and develop some char (if you don't want them too soft, take the tomatoes out earlier). When ready, remove from the oven. (See notes)
• While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the spaghetti in boiling water according to the package to al dente (about 10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta.
• Transfer the cooked spaghetti to a large bowl (same bowl used earlier for the tomatoes). Add the pesto and toss to coat. If you need to, add a little bit of the pasta cooking water to help mix it evenly. Taste, and if needed, add a bit of kosher salt and black pepper to season.
• Add the roasted tomatoes and mozzarella to the bowl of pasta. Toss to combine. Serve warm. Garnish with fresh basil, if you like.

MEDITERRANEAN PESTO PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions (a little more than al dente as pasta will firm up as it cools). Drain well and toss with olive oil (to prevent noodles from sticking together) and spread out onto a baking sheet to cool while you're preparing remainder of ingredients. OR, in a pinch, drain, rinse with cold water and drain again.
• Place cooked pasta in a large bowl, stir in pesto (start with 3/4 cup). Then stir in red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, marinated artichoke hearts and chives. Note: if you want things more saucy, stir in remaining 1/4 cup of basil pesto.
• Stir in arugula.
• Finally, stir in feta. Serve and enjoy!

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente; drain, then rinse with cold water to cool.
• Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette: Whisk the vinegar, mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in enough of the oil to make a smooth dressing; season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, onion, pepperoncini, olives and oregano in a bowl. Add the cooked pasta, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the vinaigrette and both cheeses and toss. Chill until ready to serve.

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente; drain, rinse immediately with cold water to cool. Drain again and set aside.
• 2. Vinaigrette: Whisk vinegar, mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and fresh ground pepper in a small bowl. Whisk in enough oil to make a smooth vinaigrette.
• 3. Combine sun-dried tomatoes, basil, red onion, pepperoncini, olives, roasted peppers, artichokes, prosciutto, and Italian Seasoning in a large bowl. Mix in pasta.
• 4. Add vinaigrette to mixture and both cheeses; toss well. Add additional salt and pepper according to your taste.
• 5. Chill. The longer the better.
• Note: If making a day ahead of time, I make a little extra Vinaigrette to add if necessary. Pasta usually soaks up the dressing.
• Enjoy!

FABULOUS PESTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard, garlic, basil, oregano, cilantro, hot pepper sauce, red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Add the tomatoes, green onions and olives to the bowl, and stir to coat. Refrigerate.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook for 7 minutes, or until tender. Drain, and rinse with cold water to cool. Add pasta to the bowl of dressing, and mix well. Top with mozzarella cheese and pine nuts. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

MEDITERRANEAN SALMON PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain, rinse in cold water, drain well, and place in a serving bowl.
• Top pasta with cucumber, tomatoes, and shallot. Break up salmon and sprinkle on top.
• Whisk olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, lemon-pepper seasoning, mustard, salt, and dill in a small bowl for the vinaigrette. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to combine.

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Mix cold pasta with tomatoes, cheese, olives and basil.
• Mix dressing ingredients together.
• Pour dressing over pasta.