The Naked Chefs Pasta Salad Recipes

THE BEST PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Throw in the pasta and cloves of garlic, boil until al dente, drain and run under cold water to cool. Put the garlic to one side to use for the dressing. Put the pasta into a bowl. Chop the tomatoes, olives, chives, basil and cucumber into pieces about half the size of the pasta and add to the bowl. Squash the garlic cloves out of their skins and mush in a pestle and mortar. Add the vinegar, oil and seasoning. Drizzle this over the salad, adding a little more seasoning to taste.

JAMIE OLIVER'S BEST PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil.
• Throw in the pasta and garlic and simmer for about 5 minutes or until al dente, and drain.
• Put the garlic to one side for the dressing.
• Put the pasta in a bowl.
• Chop the tomatoes, olives, chives, basil and cucumber into pieces about half the size of the pasta and add to the bowl.
• Squash the garlic cloves out of their skins and pound in a pestle and mortar.
• Add the vinegar, oil and seasoning.
• Drizzle this over the salad, adding a little more seasoning to taste.

THE NAKED CHEF'S PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil; add pasta and garlic. Simmer for about 5 minutes or al dente, and drain.
• Mix the EVOO to the white wine vinegar while whisking until blended. Pour over pasta.
• Add all other ingredients.

MARINATED FETA CHEESE SALAD

Steps:

• Remove the feta cheese from the pack and pat as dry as possible with kitchen towel. Press the flavors into it. Pack the cheese tightly into a jar and cover with olive oil. It will keep in the fridge for up to two months.
• Tips: Don't use bought dried herbs, instead make your own by drying leftover fresh herbs on a baking sheet. Leave them somewhere warm; e.g. on top of your boiler, washing machine, or oven and they will dry within a week. Or put them in the oven at 200 to 225 degrees for 1 hour.
• Uses: On a big plate, covered in fresh basil -- served with lots of other salads. As a cheese course, with crusty bread and fruit Don't throw away the oil -- use it in your dressing

CLASSIC CHEF'S PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Pour pasta (from box) into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta. Rinse with cold water; drain well.
• In large bowl, stir together seasoning (from box), mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to make dressing.
• Add pasta, cheese, chicken, ham and spinach to dressing mixture in bowl; toss to gently coat. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving.