Pasta recipe needed (UPDATED!)

[LD92599]

Update Post-Picnic

I was ready to make something w/ pasta, but got distracted via DS and over cooked the pasta! Darn it...so...here's what I made *and* even won an award for best salad LOL. Our (car) club gives awards for the best salad and best dessert...came in 2nd for dessert only because i've won before for what I made!

Wild Greens
Gargonzola Cheese
Pecans
Raspberry Vinagrette Dressing

Mix above and serve!

original post:
I need to make a pasta salad for a picnic tomorrow ~ trying to avoid something w/ mayo if possible.

Does anyone have a recipe using pasta (elbows or ziti, etc), black beans (or chick peas or kidney beans..stuff I have on hand!) and maybe a salad dressing?

I checked a few sites online but came up short! If all else fails..i'll make my regular mac salad!

TIA!

Laura
mom to William
3.5.2003

http://homepage.mac.com/ld14m

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[Marisa6826]

What about doing a pasta, chopped fresh tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella one?

Just throw on some really good extra virgin olive oil, fresh salt and pepper, chopped garlic and you're good to go.

www.epicurious.com is my hands down fave for recipes, BTW.

-m

[almostamom]

Laura,

My friend always makes one with tortellini, veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, etc.) and tosses it with the pesto sauce you can get at Costco (don't know if you have one of those nearby, but I'm guessing the grocery store would have it as well). I've had it hot and cold (leftovers :) ) and it was good both ways. You can sub whatever pasta and/or veggies you have on hand.

A picnic, huh? Boy, I'm envious! It's still well over 100 in Phx. - no picnics here!

Hope you have a great time,
~Linda~
Baby #1 due Nov 17, 2004

[mudder17]

I would also add some chopped olives and maybe some parsley/cilantro. This particular recipe is really good with orzo pasta as well.


Eileen

Mother of Beautiful Kaya
born 22 February 2004

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http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_garnet_6m.gif Breastfed 6 months and counting

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[nwaddellr]

The joy of pasta salad is that you just throw everything you want together, douse it in a good Italian dressing or vinagarette and you have pasta salad! You don't need a recipe for that...

[August Mom]

Pasta Salad

1 (16 oz.) pkg. tri-color rotini (I suppose you could use other short pasta, but I like the different colors)
1 bell pepper, chopped (I like red or orange for color)
1 medium onion, chopped
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. minced parsley
3/4 c. light Italian salad dressing
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water.

Toss pasta with all other ingredients. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Note: I do a lot of this to taste. I add more or less dressing until it tastes as desired. Same with the cheese.

[August Mom]

Southwestern Pasta Toss

1 cup tomato, finely chopped (or 1 14.5 oz. can chopped tomato)
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 tsp. salt
1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles, undrained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1 T. lime juice
6 oz. whole wheat rotini

Combine tomato, onion, salt, green chiles and 1 clove of garlic in a small bowl. Set aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.

While pasta is cooking, heat oil over medium heat in a 10-inch nonstick skillet. Add garlic and cumin and saute 30 seconds. Stir in corn and beans. Cook, stirring constantly, until corn is thawed. Toss corn mixture with pasta, tomato mixture, cilantro, cheese and lime juice. Serve immediately or chilled.

[pritchettzoo]

Do you have any feta? If so, throw in some with chickpeas and maybe some broccoli and caesar dressing with the pasta.

With black beans, make a vinaigrette and add some cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and maybe some lime juice to give it a southwestern twist. Drained canned corn, chopped tomatoes, cheese would be good additions too.

Sorry if they're not concrete enough for you. I tend to read a recipe and then just chuck random stuff together. :) Mmmm...maybe I'll make pasta salad tomorrow!

Anna

[tippy]

This is probably too late but....I love fusilli with spinach and feta and italian dressing. Yummy

[LD92599]

Thanks for all the yummy suggestions! I'm off to the grocery store shortly so we'll see what I end up making (one of the above!).

Thanks so much!

Laura
mom to William
3.5.2003

http://homepage.mac.com/ld14m

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030305/0/7/0/-5/.png[/url]