jeff's special pasta salad

Kansas City, MO
Updated on Apr 15, 2012

My Anatomy instructor, Jeff, brought this delicious pasta salad to a class potluck. Everyone wanted the recipe, so "the story" began. Jeff said that he'd had the dish at a restaurant and convinced the owner to give him the recipe with the promise that he NOT share it. Jeff was a terrific anatomy instructor but a poor secret keeper! Thank goodness he decided to share it. Now I can share it too!

prep time 5 Min
cook time 15 Min
method ---
yield 15-20 +

Ingredients

  • 1 pound vermicelli, uncooked
  • 1/4 pound pasta shells, uncooked
  • 1/4 pound rotini pasta, uncooked
  • 1/3 cup romano cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup green pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh tomato, seeded and diced
  • 1/4 cup carrot, thin sliced or diced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • DRESSING
  • 12 ounces bottled italian salad dressing ( i use wishbone)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (do not substitute)
  • 1/4 cup dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup dried parsley flakes
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons black pepper (use less if freshly ground)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ( i use sea salt)

How To Make jeff's special pasta salad

  • Step 1
    Break the vermicelli in half before boiling. Boil pastas according to package directions (they have different times so prepare accordingly)
  • Step 2
    Meanwhile mix all dressing ingredients in a very large bowl. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water to stop cooking and chill slightly.
  • Step 3
    Toss the veggies in the dressing then add pasta and toss everything to coat. Chill and serve.

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