Nancys Spaghetti Salad Recipes

ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SALAD

Steps:

• Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber and peppers. , Combine remaining ingredients; pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

PASTA SALAD WITH BASIL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
• Spread the pine nuts in an even layer on a small baking sheet. Transfer to the oven, and toast until golden and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
• In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, toasted pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes olives, Cheddar, chickpeas, cucumbers, and basil vinaigrette. Toss well. Serve cold.
• Add the vinegar, honey, mustard, shallots, basil and some salt and pepper to a blender. Blend until well combined. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil; blend until fully combined.

EGGPLANT AND SAUSAGE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain in a colander and let cool a bit before transferring the pasta to a large bowl. Drizzle with the 2 tablespoons olive oil and mix to combine.
• Add the eggplant to the prepared baking sheet; drizzle with the 1/4 cup olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss it all together. Roast until golden, tender and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and saute until cooked through, using the back of a wooden spoon to crumble the sausage, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the tomatoes and garlic and cook until heated through and starting to soften a bit, 1 minute. Add the sausage mixture to the pasta bowl. Add the lemon juice, basil, parsley, olives and roasted eggplant to the bowl and toss together. Top with the feta cheese. Serve at room temperature.

ORZO SALAD WITH MUSTARD GREENS AND DRIED CHERRIES

Steps:

• Combine the chicken broth and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat; hold at a gentle simmer.
• Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the thyme, cumin and orzo, and toast the pasta for 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully pour in the simmering broth and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium low. Cook until all the liquid is absorbed, 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
• Fold in the cherries, pistachios, lemon zest, olive oil and mustard greens. Top with parsley to serve.

LITTLE NANCY'S PASTA SALAD WITH FRUIT AND CHICKEN

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
• Combine cooked pasta, chicken, grapes, celery, oranges, water chestnuts, cashews, mint leaves, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
• Mix yogurt, mayonnaise, and chicken bouillon for dressing together in a bowl until well blended. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss lightly until all ingredients are coated. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes.