Sams Mediterranean Rotini Pasta Salad Food

SAM'S MEDITERRANEAN ROTINI PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Prepare 1 12 ounce box of tri-color Rotini pasta per package directions or to desired firmness. I suggest cooking to al dente. Drain in colander, rinse with cold water and set aside.
• 2. Meanwhile, whisk together the mayonnaise, Mediterranean dressing (I use the Wish Bone brand), the optional sea salt (Feta cheese is salty enough for most people), and black pepper until smooth and creamy. If you can't find the Mediterranean dressing, use an oil based good quality bottled Greek dressing. I have made this using both types of bottled dressings and personally think the Mediterranean Italian gives it a better overall flavor.
• 3. Place 1/2 cup of Caesar croutons in a plastic storage bag and either "beat them up" or use a rolling pin to crush them. I've found it's not worth the effort of pulling out the food processor for this small task. Stir the crushed croutons into the creamy mixture.
• 4. Mix in the drained and cooled pasta, Kalamata olives, and crumbled Feta cheese ensuring that the pasta is well coated. If the mixture looks runny, don't fret; the pasta and crushed croutons will absorb the excess liquid. Adding an additional 1/4 cup of crushed croutons would help as well. I've added as much as 1 full cup and found that the next day leftovers were too dry with that amount added. Just keep in mind- the longer this pasta salad sits in the refrigerator while the flavors are mingling, more of the liquid will be absorbed.
• 5. Stir in the optional diced onion and red peppers. Add additional crumbled Feta cheese to the top for garnish if desired and refrigerate for 1-2 hours prior to serving. If the salad is "too runny", try adding an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of crushed croutons.
• 6. Eat and enjoy! I don't like peppers so I don't use them, but I do love the onions for their texture and taste.

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.

ROTINI PASTA SALAD WITH CHICKEN

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside.
• While the pasta is cooking, cook the chicken breast tenders. Garlic salt, pepper and Mrs. Dash on both sides of the tenders and sautee them in olive oil until done on medium high heat (about 6 minute per side). Remove from pan and let cool.You can chop some of the veggies while the chicken is cooking. Once cool the chicken tenders can be shredded or chopped - your preference.
• Once all veggies are chopped, chicken is cooked, and pasta is cooked and drained, add all ingredients together except for the tomatoes, and toss with Italian dressing.
• Place in the refrigerator until salad is cool. Add the tomatoes before serving so they don't get smushy.
• Serve with a crusty garlic bread and Enjoy!
• "Cook" time is chill time.

GREEK ROTINI SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the rotini according to the package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well.
• Combine the rotini and the next 9 ingredients (through parsley) in a large bowl; toss gently.
• Combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano in a jar. Cover tightly and shake vigorously. Pour the dressing over the rotini mixture; toss gently to combine. Cover and chill thoroughly.

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt; drain.
• Mix tomatoes and mayo in large bowl. Add pasta; toss to coat. Reserve 1/4 cup cheese. Add remaining ingredients to pasta mixture; mix lightly.
• Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle with reserved cheese just before serving.