Crunchy Italian Salad Recipes

BAKED ZITI WITH CRUNCHY ITALIAN SALAD AND GARLIC BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions; drain and reserve.
• In a small bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and half the mozzarella; season with salt and pepper.
• In the bottom of a shallow 2-quart casserole dish, spread half the tomato sauce. Top with ziti, then ricotta mixture and remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan and remaining mozzarella. Place casserole on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until top is browned and sauce is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare garlic bread: Make deep, even cuts into the bread, about 1/2 inch apart, without cutting through the bottom. In a small bowl, combine butter and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Brush garlic butter between cuts in bread. Wrap bread loosely in aluminum foil, and bake with ziti during last 10 minutes of baking.
• In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar and oil; season with salt and pepper. Add endive and arugula, and toss to coat. Serve baked ziti with salad and garlic bread.

CRUNCHY ROMAINE SALAD

Steps:

• Combine sugar, oil, vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake until well blended. Break ramen noodles into small pieces, discarding flavor packet.
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir noodles and pecans until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool.
• Combine noodles, pecans, broccoli, romaine lettuce, and green onions in a bowl; toss gently. Dress with 1 cup, or more, of dressing; toss to coat.