Friday, November 20, 2009

Quick Weeknight Pasta Salad


I had some leftover Roast Beef from Sunday and decided to slice it thinly and make a rench Dip Sandwich. I thought it would be even better if I had a little pasta salad to go with it.

I remembered a tip I learned on the Cook's Country TV show, which was not to drain the pasta absolutely perfectly, leaving a bit of moisture on the pasta helps it not to instantly absorb your mayo mixture when you add it in, it worked, see how creamy the pasta looked!

I used what I had in the pantry and it turned out to be one of our favorites; simple, and tasty.

1/2 box of Pasta (I used the Piccolini Mini Farfalle)
1/2 container of grape or cherry tomatoes sliced in half
3-4 green onions, ends removed and diced
1 can of sliced olives drained
**You could use any combination you like**
1/2 cup low fat mayo
1/4 cup Dijonaise
fresh chives snipped
5/6 basil leaves chiffonade
Dash of hot sauce
Buttermilk
Capers
1 Banana Pepper (optional, I just so happened to have one)

Cook your pasta according to package directions, rinse with cold water and drain (don't shake all the water off)

Place cooked pasta, olives, onions and tomatoes into your bowl

In a separate bowl mix the mayo, dijonaise, cheese, hot sauce, chives and enough buttermilk to make it a nice consistency
Mix well and fold in the cooked pasta

Chill if desired

9 comments:

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

nice tip on the moist pasta...thanks didn't know that

Anonymous said...
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Donna-FFW said...

Sounds like a perfect pasta salad. Love the mayo/dijonish dressing. GREAT tip about the moisture on the pasta!

Lyndas recipe box said...

Now this looks really delicious...I could make a whole meal out this pasta!

Anonymous said...

I tried making pasta salad once...it was TERRIBLE. NOw I know what I did wrong...the only condiments I used was mayo and mustard...I must try your idea of those olives, capers, and buttermilk!

Lea Ann said...

I always drain, drain, and then drain my pasta. Thanks for the tip, I'll give it a try next pasta night. I didn't know that

Anonymous said...

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teresa said...

mmmm, i always forget how vital the actual pasta water can be in a dish. great recipe!

Bethie said...

I would love a bowl right now for breakfast!

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