Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Improv Cooking Challenge: Pasta Salad with a White Wine Shallot Vinaigrette


Can you tell that I'm absolutely aching for summer?  When I saw that this month's ingredients for the Improv Challenge were peas and carrots, I immediately thought ... pasta salad.  This dish was so simple to make and perfect for a barbecue or picnic (no mayo!).
Best dishes and yummy dreams!

xo,

Pasta Salad with a White Wine Shallot Vinaigrette
Recipe adapted from:  The Cooking Photographer


Serves 6-8

1 lb. cooked pasta
1 c. broccoli
1/2 c. shredded carrots
1/2 c. peas
1/2 c. sliced zucchini

1/2 c. olive oil
1/4 c. white wine vinegar (I used Bertolli Pinot Grigio)
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, pressed and finely minced
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly cracked pepper

1/2 c. sliced tomatoes
1 sliced scallion
fresh parsley, to taste

1.  In a small sauce pot with a steamer basket, steam the broccoli, carrots, peas, and zucchini until slightly tender.  Remove and allow the veggies to cool.  Place them in a large bowl with the cooked pasta.
2.  In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, shallot, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper.  Whisk until combined and pour over the pasta and veggies.
3.  Add the tomatoes, scallions, and parsley.  Stir to combine.  

Enjoy!

Thanks for reading, loves xo


8 comments:

Wendy said...

And it's a pretty dish too.

Melody said...

My younger sons don't really enjoy pasta/veggie salads, but if I use farfalle they will gobble it up. Go figure... Your salad looks incredibly delicious!

Kristen said...

I am with you, winter can leave and the warm weather can take up residence tomorrow. That salad is sure to bring the sunshine.

Anonymous said...

Your pasta salad really does make me think of picnics and BBQs. Too bad it is blizzarding outside my window. Great choice for the improv challenge!

Little Mommy Kim said...

Thank you!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Such a beautiful, light pasta salad! Perfect for spring (if it ever really arrives!).

Lisa~~ said...

I'm right there with you, aching for summer and your pasta salad is a perfect summer dish, looks delicious.

My Improv Cooking Challenge entry this month: Mom's Beef Vegetable Soup, hope that you'll stop over and check the recipe out.

Lisa~~

Cinnamon Freud said...

I am aching for summer too, love this fresh pasta salad