Baby Shell Pasta Salad With Kalamata Olives And Roasted Fennel Recipes

BABY SHELL PASTA SALAD WITH KALAMATA OLIVES AND ROASTED FENNEL

Steps:

• Cook the pasta until eldente (don't over cook); drain, and rinse with cold water; set aside.
• Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
• Toss the 3-4 cloves (or more if desired) of whole unpeeled garlic with the fennel and the sliced onions with the 3 Tbsp olive oil OR vegetable oil; spread on a small greased cookie sheet or baking pan, and roast in the oven until lightly browned and tender (approx 20-30 minutes).
• Remove from oven; set aside the fennel and onion.
• In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, barbecue sauce and lime juice with salt and pepper to taste.
• Squeeze the baked garlic out of it's peel, and add whisk into the dressing.
• Dice the baked onions, fennel and the tomatoes; add to the cooked pasta shells.
• Add the olives, fresh herbs and the dressing mix; toss everything well to coat.
• Cover and chill for 1 or more hours to blend the flavors.
• Before serving, sprinkle with the Romano or Parmesan cheese, and the crushed chili peppers.
• ***NOTE:if desired 2-3 Tbsp grated Romano or Parmesan cheese may be mixed into the salad.