Email to Cat      

Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Source of Recipe

From "The Southern Living Party Cookbook"


Recipe Introduction

"Mason jars are popping up everywhere. People use them for everything from drinks to flower arrangements. They are also the perfect vessel for a layered pasta salad. Add the dressing first so it sits on the bottom and then the salad ingredients. Screw the lid on tight, throw it in a cooler, and head to your favorite picnic spot. Once you arrive, give the jar a good shake and eat it straight out of the jar."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 2 cups halved baby heirloom tomatoes
â—¦ 2 small zucchini, thinly sliced into half moons
â—¦ 1 small red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
â—¦ 1 cup fresh corn kernels
â—¦ 1 cup diced firm, ripe fresh peaches (about 2 medium)
â—¦ ½ cup thinly sliced scallions
â—¦ Parmesan Vinaigrette (recipe follows)
â—¦ 1 (8-ounce) package penne pasta
â—¦ 2 cups shredded smoked chicken (about 10 ounces)
â—¦ â…“ cup torn fresh basil
â—¦ â…“ cup torn fresh cilantro


Recipe

Toss together the tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, corn, peaches, scallions, and vinaigrette in a large bowl, and let stand 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the pasta according to the package directions.

Add the hot cooked pasta and chicken to the tomato mixture; toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving platter, and top with the basil and cilantro.


Serves 10


Parmesan Vinaigrette:
â—¦ ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
â—¦ ½ cup olive oil
â—¦ 2 teaspoons lemon zest, plus 3 tablespoons fresh juice (from 1 lemon)
â—¦ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
â—¦ 2 cloves garlic
â—¦ 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
â—¦ ½ teaspoon salt
â—¦ ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
â—¦ ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Process the Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, pepper, and salt in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add the basil and cilantro; pulse five or six times or just until blended.


Makes about 1 cup