Friday, February 26, 2010

Meatless Fridays: Italian Pasta Salad


For today's edition of Meatless Fridays, I'm bringing you a pasta salad that's so easy a _____ could do it.  (Sorry, GEICO®.  I don't mean to steal.)  As you can see from the photo below, it's more 'goodies' than pasta, making it less carb-heavy than most pasta salads.  This may be served as a starter, side, or main dish.  Garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas) or cannellini beans would be great protein additions for a heartier salad. 


Italian Pasta Salad  (Serves 4)

4 oz. mini bow tie pasta
8 oz. broccoli florets, cooked (I used frozen)
½ pint grape or cherry tomatoes
2.5 oz. jar sliced mushrooms, drained
2.5 oz. can sliced olives, drained
4 oz. mozzarella cheese, diced
4-6 Tbl. Italian dressing
salt & pepper, if needed

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water.  In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and toss to combine (start with 4 Tbl. dressing and add more if necessary).  Cover and allow to sit for 1 hour for flavors to combine.  Refrigerate leftovers.

12 comments:

  1. Nice! I like the pasta you used. Have you ever made anything with tofu before? I CANNOT make anything with tofu.

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  2. I am doing an experiment of cooking recipes from other blogs and this one looks perfect!!! I think I will be doing it tonight... drop by to see the results...

    http://becominghomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/02/blogger-participation-wanted.html

    P.S. Another blogger recommended you!

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  3. This looks so yummy! I bet this is good whether it is room temp, cold or even warmed!!! I love pasta salad - I especially love using Kamut Khorasan Wheat noodles....oh the best!

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  4. I love pasta salad and the looks so good! I know what I'm making for lunch today!

    I stopped by to welcome you to SITS! It's great to have you in the SITStahood!

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  5. This sounds delish, I love pasta and salad so a perfect combo for me :) Stopping by to welcome you to SITS, it is great to have you!

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  6. Now this recipe is right up my alley!! (I'm a vegetarian - and this does look tasty) -

    Welcome to SITS...We're glad you joined :-)

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  7. Pasta salad is a favorite of mine, and I love how you added mushrooms...I never thought to do that! Have you ever added artichokes? Delicious!

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  8. Faith - No, I haven't tried artichokes in it yet! I didn't even think about it. There's always next time :)

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  9. Oh man, I didnt know about those black bean brownies but THIS recipe is one that makes me drool just looking at my screen. I am a sucker for anything that uses fresh mozzarella!

    Welcome to SITS, it is lovely to "meet" you today!

    Mindy

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