Christmas Red And Green Salad Recipes

RED, GREEN AND WHITE CHRISTMAS SALAD

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with water and bring to boil.
• Cut the woody ends off the asparagus, then cut the asparagus into 3. Separate the asparagus heads from the stems.
• Trim the beans and place in a separate pile.
• Remove the strings along each side of the snow peas.
• Place the beans in the boiling water. When the water comes back to the simmer again, leave the beans to simmer for 30 seconds. (Note 1)
• Add the asparagus stems in. Once it comes back up to a simmer, count 30 seconds again. Then add the snow peas and asparagus heads, bring it back up to a simmer and count to 30 seconds.
• Immediately drain the greens and run cold water over the greens for 10 seconds to stop the cooking process.
• Once cool, set aside to dry. Roughly dry with a paper towel if serving immediately.
• Combine the Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well to mix.
• Place the greens in a bowl and toss with the Dressing.
• Transfer to a serving bowl, crumble over feta and scatter with dried cranberries. Serve immediately.

CHRISTMAS PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with cold water. Drop the broccoli into the boiling water and cook until crisp-tender and bright green, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and plunge into the cold water to stop the cooking. Let sit until cool, then drain and set aside.
• Return the water in the pot to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package directions for al dente. Drain in a colander and transfer to a large bowl. Toss the pasta with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil to coat evenly and refrigerate until cooled completely, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil to a blender with the spinach, Parmesan, almonds, basil, lemon juice, chives and 1/4 cup water and puree until completely smooth. Pour the pesto over top of the pasta and add the reserved broccoli, red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt. Toss gently until well combined. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with more chopped chives. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 4 hours.