Sunshine Pasta Salad Recipes

SUNSHINE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Drain pineapple, reserving juice.
• Combine all salad ingredients together in large salad bowl.
• For dressing - Combine all ingredients together and whisk together well.
• Toss salad with the dressing and make sure the salad is well-coated.
• Chill for 1-2 hours prior to serving for best results.
• Note: When using the asparagus tips, it is best to blanch them approximately 2 minutes in a steamer prior to combining with the salad.

BLACK BEAN SUNSHINE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions for the minimum cooking time.
• Place peas and carrots in a colander.
• When pasta is done, pour into the colander over peas and carrots. ( the hot water will cook the vegetables slightly.) Drain and place in a large bowl.
• Add pineapple , beans, bell pepper, onions, and orange sections. Toss to combine.
• Combine reserved pineapple juice and remaining ingredients. Mix well. Taste to adjust vinegar and salt and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture. Mix gently until well combined.
• Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight (8 hours). Mix a few times while chilling.

SUMMER SUNSHINE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the farfalle until it is al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
• While the farfalle is cooking, add turmeric to the water to turn pasta a bright yellow color.
• Cook the pasta shells in a separate pot of boiling salted water until it is al dente, about 8 minutes.
• Drain both rinsing in cold water. Place in a large bowl, toss with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and set aside.
• In a medium saucepan of boiling salted water, blanch the broccoli until bright green, about 30 seconds. Drain and rinse under cold running water and add to the pasta. You may also do the same for the cauliflower but it will NOT turn bright green no matter how hard you try.
• In a small bowl, combine the orange juice and zest, the lemon juice, and salt and cayenne to taste.
• Whisk in olive oil until blended, then pour dressing over pasta. Add the veggies and chickpeas if using and toss to combine. Sprinkle on sunflower seeds.
• Note: you can omit the cauliflower and use all broccoli.