Italian Picnic Salad Recipes

CONTEST-WINNING PICNIC PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook spiral pasta and tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the artichokes, broccoli, provolone cheese, salami, peppers, beans, olives, onion and garlic. , Prepare salad dressing according to package directions; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

CLASSIC PICNIC PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Whisk the mayonnaise, parsley, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper together in a large bowl.
• Cook the broccoli in the boiling water until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander. Run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the broccoli to the bowl with the dressing.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Three minutes before the pasta is done, add the peas to the pot. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Add to the bowl.
• Add the ham, provolone, olives, onion and salami to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

ANTIPASTO PICNIC SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, drain giardiniera, reserving 3/4 cup liquid. In a large bowl, combine the giardiniera, broccoli, mozzarella, salami, ham, pepperoni, green pepper and olives. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into meat mixture., For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, pepper, salt and reserved giardiniera liquid. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

ITALIAN PICNIC SALAD

Steps:

• Combine artichoke hearts, green pepper, cheeses, ham, salami, onion, and salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Set mixture aside.
• Break spaghetti into pieces to make it easier to eat in a salad. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain well. Add spaghetti to artichoke mixture.
• Mix the dressing: Combine the oil, vinegar, garlic, sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, basil, oregano, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a jar. Cover tightly and shake vigorously.
• Pour the dressing over the spaghetti and artichoke mixture. Toss gently to combine.

PICNIC CORN-ZUCCHINI SALAD

Steps:

• To make dressing, mix lime juice and mustard together. Slowly beat in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pour into a lidded container.
• In a medium bowl, toss together corn, zucchini, scallions, and bell pepper. Sprinkle with parsley.
• Cover and chill several hours or overnight.
• When ready to serve, add the dressing and toss well to coat. Enjoy!