Fresh Pasta Salads

We love pasta salads this time of year!  Whether served cold or hot, they are a snap to prepare and can easily be made with whatever you have on hand.  The only cooking required is to cook the pasta and after that, simply toss fresh vegetables, herbs, a little olive oil or dressing of your choice and even left-over chicken for a great quick lunch or week night dinner.

There are now many gluten-free pastas available today.  Our favorite is Le Veneziane.  This brand pasta is made from corn and imported from Italy.  It is available online through www.quattrobimbi.com.  We purchase several boxes at a time, which makes the shipping costs more reasonable.  Believe me, this pasta is worth it!

Pasta Salad w/Shrimp

The simplest fresh pasta salad is to toss cooked pasta with fresh tomatoes, herbs and olive oil.  Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and Parmesan cheese and you’ve got a delicious meal that tastes as fresh and wholesome as summer itself.  It is also ready to eat in under 30 minutes.

If you have more time, want to prepare a pasta salad ahead of time or want to get more creative with dressings, here are a few terrific pasta salad recipes we’re sure you will enjoy:

Pasta Salad w/Basil & Tomatoes

Pasta Salad w/Basil & Tomatoes

Pasta Salad w/Corn & Black Beans

Pasta Salad w/Shrimp

Pasta Salad with Corn Chipotle

Ginger Peanut Chicken Salad  (this salad can be quickened by using left-over cooked chicken)

- Chef Yvonne

ADVERTISEMENT