Salami Pasta Salad Recipe

My family and I recently found a new beach near our house, one that is uncrowded and really lovely. The white sand, piles of logs and driftwood, and beautiful blue water make it the perfect beach for sharing family time.

I know we'll be spending lots of time there this summer with the kids, and I'm really looking forward to it. Those times will include lunches and dinners, so I'm always looking for foods that can be packed up and easily transported.

Pasta salads are the perfect beach and picnic food, and the variety of recipes available is amazing. You can make a pasta salad as a side dish, or with the addition of heartier ingredients, make one as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

This recipe for Salami Pasta Salad has recently become a big family favorite. I added some big slices of warm, buttered French bread and it made a great make-ahead, easy dinner.

And one thing I do love about pasta salads is that they really are make-ahead recipes. And a recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd when you are entertaining. It's really delicious, and might just become a family favorite in your house too.


Recipe for Salami Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked white and green rotini pasta
1 - 10oz. can of RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies
1/2 cup finely diced onion
1 cup diced Italian dry salami
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For dressing:
1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoons oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the tomatoes and chilies, salami, cheese and onion.
In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.                                                        

A Healthy Dinner, Pasta With Ground Turkey and Broccoli

I have to confess that I haven't had much luck staying away from all the holiday goodies lately.

I've been making cupcakes, and cookies and fudge lately, and sampling everyone else's yummy food and treats, and I'm beginning to feel the effects.

I need to bring in some healthy eating during the holidays, and not just indulge in heavy holiday meals.
This great tasting recipe for Pasta With Ground Turkey and Broccoli is just what I need to eat better and feel better. It's easy to put together, and the ground turkey is readily available at your grocery store.

I first published this on Popcorn and Pearls, but it's delicious enough to share it here, and I'll be making this again tonight.

Easy Pasta Casserole

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and I know everyone is thinking about all that cooking they will be doing tomorrow. Yummy, right?

But if you are like me and my family, at some point this weekend you will need a break from turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

This is where an easy but delicious pasta casserole recipe will come in very handy. This one is almost cheating, because it calls for a jar of spaghetti sauce, and is so simple to make, but it's really tasty.


Recipe for Easy Pasta Casserole

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
3 cups elbow or tube pasta, cooked
1 24oz. jar spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups Monterey Jack/Cheddar Cheese combo