Pasta Salad--Inspired by Rita |
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Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 8 Minutes |
Ready In: 23 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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I had a big grilling weekend this Memorial Day holiday, which included Rita's Grilled Portabello Mushrooms (Grilled Portabella Mushrooms), a recently newfound 'ingredient' for us. Her recipe mentioned, as one of the alternatives, adding some to pasta salad. Well, I didn't have pasta salad when I grilled them, but I had some mushrooms left over after the main cookout of the weekend since I'd doubled the recipe. I was also short on time, and had limited ingredients-can't wait for the garden to begin producing!-so I pulled this recipe out of my head, the fridge, the freezer and stole from the onions that weren't quite ready in the garden... :-) I was amazed at how well it turned out and it was a major hit with my whole family and future daughter-in-law! I hope you enjoy it too! Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked |
1 cup frozen peas, uncooked (or fresh peas, scalded for 1 to 2 minutes) |
3/4 cup baby carrots |
2 celery ribs |
5 -6 spring onions or 5 -6 green onion tops |
1/3-1/2 cup salad dressing (or your favorite mayo) |
1 tablespoon tarragon vinegar |
1 tablespoon fresh ground horseradish |
1 clove fresh garlic, minced |
1 1/2 teaspoons dijon mustard (i use grey poupon for this) |
1 teaspoon sugar |
salt and pepper, to taste |
rita grilled portabella mushroom, diced (grilled portabella mushrooms) (optional) |
Directions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, al dente.
2. Drain in colander, then rinse with cold water.
3. When macaroni is chilled and well drained, return to pan.
4. In foodprocessor, chop celery ribs and carrots (separately if using mini-food processor).
5. Gently toss frozen peas with pasta, breaking apart any peas that are frozen together.
6. Add chopped celery and carrots and gently toss again.
7. In foodprocessor, blend remaining ingredients, excluding the mushrooms.
8. Pour over pasta and vegetables, gently folding until coated.
9. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
10. Note: If using the option of Rita's Grilled Portabello Mushrooms, they can be blended in with the carrot and celery addition, or served as an optional topping or side to be added by each individual.
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