marinated pasta salad

New Orleans, LA
Updated on Jul 21, 2011

This is my version of one I tried years ago. It's a great way to sneak in veggies kids might not normally eat. I've added other veggies besides what is listed in recipe and because I diced them small...my kids never guessed they were eating a plate full of veggies! They just new it was good! You can also add chunks of cheese or even ham, shrimp or pepperoni but it's fantastic just as written in the recipe. The key to the great flavor is the marinade from the artichokes...so delicious!

prep time 20 Min
cook time
method Refrigerate/Freeze
yield 4-6 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces veggie spiral pasta
  • 12 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, do not drain!
  • 8 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 bunch fresh broccoli, trimmed and diced fine
  • 4 1/2 ounces sliced black olives, drained well
  • 1 tablespoon dried or fresh parsley
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • - salt & pepper, to taste

How To Make marinated pasta salad

  • Step 1
    Prepare veggie pasta per package directions, drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  • Step 2
    Saute mushrooms in olive oil until cooked through but not carmelized. When done, set aside to cool slightly.
  • Step 3
    In a large bowl, empty contents of marinated artichokes. If necessary, cut artichoke into bite-sized pieces.
  • Step 4
    Add to artichokes, broccoli, tomatoes, cooled mushrooms, drained black olives,parsley,oregano, garlic, and salt and pepper. Blend well.
  • Step 5
    Toss in cooled pasta and stir until blended. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until ready to serve.
  • Step 6
    ***I've varied this by adding cubes of cheese, shredded carrots, finely diced green pepper,red and yellow pepper, pimentos, cauliflower, diced cucumbers. I even added quartered slices of pepperoni to throw the kids off the zucchini! ;P

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