Mop It Up Pasta Salad Recipes

MOP-IT-UP PASTA WITH MUSHROOMS, ONIONS, AND PEPPERS

Steps:

• Heat a pot of water to a boil for pasta. Season the water with some salt and add pasta. Cook the pasta al dente, or with a bite to it.
• Preheat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the EVOO and crimini mushrooms. Sauté until they start to become tender, 3 to 4 minutes, then add the garlic, stir for 30 seconds, and add the onion and fresh peppers. Season the MOP (mushrooms, onions, and peppers) with salt and pepper and cook 5 minutes more. Add the chopped hot peppers and a splash of their juice from the jar. Add the marinated mushrooms next and toss to combine.
• Drain pasta and add to the MOP. Toss the whole thing together with the parsley and cheese and serve immediately.

PASTA SALAD WITH LEMON-PESTO DRESSING

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it.
• Place pesto, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, tomatoes, scallions and cheese in a large bowl.
• Cook pasta to al dente then cold shock it and chill it down under cold running water. Drain well. Add to mixing bowl. Combine salad and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

PASTA PESTO

Steps:

• Cook the pasta in rapidly boiling water until al dente. Just before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the water.
• In a medium saute pan over medium high heat, toast the pine nuts until fragrant and golden, about 2 to 3 minutes, set aside. Place pan back on the heat over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes and 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Add the garlic and the red pepper flakes. If the sauce is too dry, add the remaining pasta water. Add the basil to the pan. Saute until just wilted. Remove the sauce from the heat.
• Place the pasta in a large bowl. Season the pasta with salt. Top the pasta with the tomato sauce. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the pasta and cheese (if using). Toss to combine, taste and adjust seasonings, serve immediately.