Best Contest Winning Garden State Salad Recipes

CONTEST-WINNING PICNIC PASTA SALAD

Contest-Winning Picnic Pasta Salad image

My family's not big on traditional pasta salads made with mayonnaise, so when I served this colorful version that uses Italian dressing, it was a big hit. This crowd-pleaser is loaded with vegetables, beans and tricolor pasta. It's one of the best picnic salad ideas! -Felicia Fiocchi, Vineland, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
1 package (10 ounces) refrigerated tricolor tortellini
1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, undrained
1/2 pound fresh broccoli florets (about 1-3/4 cups)
12 ounces provolone cheese, cubed
12 ounces hard salami, cubed
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 medium red onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 envelopes Italian salad dressing mix

Steps:

Cook spiral pasta and tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the artichokes, broccoli, provolone cheese, salami, peppers, beans, olives, onion and garlic. , Prepare salad dressing according to package directions; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 411 calories, Fat 23g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 1156mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

CONTEST-WINNING FESTIVE TOSSED SALAD

Contest-Winning Festive Tossed Salad image

With its unique medley of fruits and festive look, this tossed salad is a holiday tradition at our house. Our three grown daughters have come to expect it. One forkful reminds us of all the things we can be thankful for. -Jauneen Hosking, Waterford, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup canola oil
2 to 3 teaspoons poppy seeds
10 cups torn romaine
1 medium pear, chopped
1 medium apple, chopped
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 to 1 cup chopped cashews
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Steps:

For dressing, place first five ingredients in a blender; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Add poppy seeds; pulse just until combined. , To serve, place remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 288 calories, Fat 21g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 195mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.