Quick And Zesty Italian Salad Food

QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
• Combine pasta, salami, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, salad dressing, olives, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. Mix dry salad dressing into pasta; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

QUICK ITALIAN SALAD

Steps:

• For the dressing: In a blender, add the olive oil, mayonnaise, Parmesan, parsley, sugar, vinegar, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic and lemon juice and blend until pureed.
• For the salad: Put the romaine and iceberg greens in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Top the salad with the pepperoncini, olives, tomatoes and onions. Sprinkle with Parmesan at the end.

SPICY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD WITH HAM AND PEPPERONCINI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Whisk the oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes, shallot, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper together in a large bowl.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Add to the bowl with the dressing.
• Add the ham, tomatoes, celery, basil, pepperoncini and oregano to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

ZESTY SALAD

Steps:

• Place potato cubes into a small pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain and let cool, about 10 minutes.
• Combine cooled potato, cabbage, pomegranate seeds, and carrot in a large bowl.
• Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until well-mixed. Poured over potato mixture and toss to combine.

ZESTY ITALIAN CHICKEN PASTA WITH VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed on package.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add vegetables; cook and stir 5 min. or until crisp-tender. Add chicken; cook on medium heat 3 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Drain pasta; place in large bowl. Add chicken mixture and dressing; mix lightly. Top with cheese.

QUICK AND EASY ZESTY MARINATED MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Place mushroom caps in a gallon zip-loc bag with salad dressing. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat grill medium high heat.
• Remove from bag and place on vegetable grill tray (small holes so they won't fall through) or aluminum foil if you don't have a veggie grill pan. Close grill lid.
• ***If you do not have a grill pan you can also thread 3 or 4 mushrooms (depending upon size)onto skewers and cook on the grill.***.
• Grill 10 minutes or until bottom side is lightly browned and mushrooms are almost cooked.
• Turn mushrooms and cook 5 more minutes.
• You can baste with excess marinade if you wish at anytime during the cooking process.
• These are very hot so "try" to let them cool a little before taking your first bite.
• Enjoy!
• (Preparation time includes marinating time).

ZESTY ITALIAN CHICKEN SKILLET

Steps:

• Cook chicken until browned, about 5 minutes on each side.
• Combine dressing, broth and italian seasoning.
• Add to chicken and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer about 3 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
• Add broccoli and onion and mix well.
• Cook 2 to 4 minute or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
• Add cheese and stir until melted.
• Serve.

ZESTY ITALIAN CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Pour 1/4 cup dressing over chicken in shallow glass dish; turn chicken to evenly coat both sides of each breast. Refrigerate 30 min. to marinate.
• Heat grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Grill chicken 6 to 8 min. on each side or until done (165°F); cut into strips.
• Place chicken and vegetables on spinach-covered platter; sprinkle with nuts.
• Drizzle with remaining dressing.