Geoffrey Zakarian Pasta Salad Recipes

ITALIAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain in a colander, rinse with cold water and shake until very dry. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over it and toss well to coat.
• Add the chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, peppers, salami, onions and parsley. Season with salt and toss well to combine.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and remaining 1/2 cup olive oil; pour it over the salad and toss well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For best flavor, let the salad stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

MEDITERRANEAN VINAIGRETTE FOR PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the tahini, olive oil, olives, vinegar, parsley, mustard, shallot, thyme and orange zest in a mixing bowl and whisk until evenly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.

CAESAR PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• For the croutons: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a medium bowl, gently toss the bread cubes with the oil, salt and pepper. Spread the cubes in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake until golden, turning once about halfway through, 12 to 15 minutes total. Toss with the Parmesan while still hot and set aside to let cool.
• For the caesar dressing: In a blender, combine the garlic, capers, anchovies, mustard, Parmesan, vinegar and Worcestershire and blend until smooth. Add the olive oil and blend to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt as needed.
• For the salad: Heat a grill over medium-high heat. Drizzle the romaine heart halves with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until lightly charred and softened, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
• In a medium bowl, toss the pasta with 1 tablespoon oil and salt and pepper to taste. Add the romaine and dressing to taste and toss to coat.
• In a large bowl, toss the Bibb lettuce with the lemon juice, remaining tablespoon oil, salt and pepper to taste and the basil. Add the croutons and gently combine. Add the pasta and romaine salad and Parmesan to the Bibb salad and gently toss together. Garnish with more cheese and serve.

SUMMER ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to high heat.
• Toss the scallions in a bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the scallions until the bulbs are tender and the greens are well-charred, about 8 minutes. Set aside to cool. (Alternately, you can char the scallions in a cast-iron pan on the stove.) Chop the white and light green parts finely, then discard the remaining ends of the scallions.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the orzo. Drop in the orzo and begin to cook. Meanwhile, add the chopped scallions to a medium bowl. Add the vinegar, Dijon mustard, remaining 1/3 cup olive oil and half of the olives and whisk until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
• When the pasta is finished cooking, drain and rinse to cool. Immediately toss in some of the vinaigrette, along with the cucumber, tomatoes, herbs, red onion and remaining olives. Mix well. Add more dressing to taste. Top with the goat cheese and serve.