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Easy Shell Pasta Salad

When the temperature outside is warm and you want something light as a side dish or even a meatless main course, this Shell Pasta Salad is sure to be one of your favorites.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pasta Salad, Shell Pasta Salad
Servings: 8
Author: Debbie

Ingredients

Lemon Dijon Dressing

  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup plus 3 Tablespoons, Lemon Juice
  • 2-½ Tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1-½ teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, or more to taste

Pasta Salad Ingredients

  • 1 pound shell shaped dry pasta
  • 8 medium mini sweet peppers, sliced in rings (or diced), assorted colors*
  • 1-¼ cups halved pear tomatoes
  • 1 12 ounce bag Baby Zucchini*, sliced, or 2 small fresh zucchini diced
  • 1 7 ounce jar julienned sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced
  • 3 sliced green onions, green and white parts.
  • head small radicchio, sliced
  • cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Salad Dressing

  • Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously, until emulsified. Refrigerate until ready to mix in with the salad ingredients.

Shell Pasta Salad

  • Cook the shell pasta al dente ("to the tooth"! Not mushy!) according to package instructions. Sometimes to get the pasta "al dente" it needs to be removed from the water before the time in the instructions. So you may want to start testing it a couple minutes before it's supposed to be done. Drain and set aside to cool covered with a damp cloth, as to not dry out.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, except for the pasta and grated parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly.
  • Depending on your preference, add all or most of the cooked pasta. Mix thoroughly with the vegetables.
  • Slowly, in a steady stream, add the dressing. Add a bit, toss and taste. Mix gently and thoroughly. Add more if needed.
  • Add the grated parmesan cheese. Gently mix in 1-2 tosses, trying not to over mix.
  • Adjust seasoning to your liking: more dressing, salt and/or pepper. Cover until time to serve.

Notes

Gr8 Notes

If you choose to make this a main course and are short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken from your local market. Shred it and mix it in. Delicious!
*available at Trader Joes
Tried this recipe?Mention @Great8Friends or tag #gr8food!