Quick And Zesty Italian Salad Recipes

ZESTY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
• Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.
• In a large bowl, combine the pasta, eggs, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, bell pepper, green onions and parsley.
• Prepare the dressing by mixing together the mayonnaise, vinegar, Italian seasoning and pepper.
• Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss well to coat. Refrigerate until chilled and serve.

ZESTY ITALIAN CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Pour 1/4 cup dressing over chicken in shallow glass dish; turn chicken to evenly coat both sides of each breast. Refrigerate 30 min. to marinate.
• Heat grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Grill chicken 6 to 8 min. on each side or until done (165°F); cut into strips.
• Place chicken and vegetables on spinach-covered platter; sprinkle with nuts.
• Drizzle with remaining dressing.

ZESTY HOMEMADE ITALIAN DRESSING

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a jar. Seal tightly with lid and shake vigorously to emulsify. Toss gently with the romaine lettuce right before serving. Store extra dressing in refrigerator for up to a week. As the dressing sits, it will separate (and solidify in the fridge), so be sure to shake well before using.

EASY PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Measure oil, vinegar, water, honey, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, garlic salt, parsley, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well-blended and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
• Cook pasta in well-salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Add the pimentos, green and black diced olives, remaining Parmesan, and about 2/3 of the dressing. Gently mix all of the ingredients with a large spoon until well combined. Refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to blend. Just before serving, shake and then stir in the remainder of the dressing and garnish with additional Parmesan, if desired.

ZESTY ITALIAN SALAD

Steps:

• Cook rice according to package directions; let cool.
• Place cooled rice, chicken, spinach, tomatoes, artichokes, cheese, and lemon zest in a large bowl, toss to combine.
• Whisk lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil together in a mixing bowl. Pour over rice mixture; toss to combine.

QUICK ITALIAN BROCCOLI SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, onion, water chestnuts and mushrooms. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Add tomatoes; gently toss.

QUICK AND ZESTY ITALIAN SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Add lettuces to a large bowl and toss well.
• 2. Add remaining ingredients and toss well.
• 3. Toss with your favorite Italian salad dressing.