Best Ginas Pasta Salad Recipes

Italian Pasta Salad image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound tri-color corkscrew pasta
1 (12-ounce jar) marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
8 ounces smoked mozzarella, cubed
1(8-ounce link) spicy pepperoni, cubed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons chopped jarred pepperoncini
1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until package directions for al dente. Drain well and cool.
Add the artichoke hearts, mozzarella, pepperoni, tomatoes, pepperoncini and basil to a large bowl. Stir in the pasta.
Whisk together the garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss the dressing with the pasta.

Gina's Orzo Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Categories side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound orzo
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
2 lemons, juiced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups halved red and yellow cherry tomatoes
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
2 tablespoons chiffonade fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons chiffonade fresh mint leaves
5 ounces crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender yet still firm, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain into a colander and let cool.
Whisk together the Dijon, olive oil, and lemon juice in a large serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, almonds, red onion, green onions, basil, mint, and feta. Toss together and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper, if needed. Serve.

Gina's Pasta Salad image

Provided by Bella Rachelle

Time 20m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (8 ounce) box spiral shaped pasta
1 (16 ounce) bottle light caesar salad dressing (as much as you prefer)
3 roma tomatoes, diced
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 (4 ounce) can black olives, sliced
1/2 cup salami, cut into strips
1/2 cup pepperoni, cut into strips
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

Nutrition Facts : Calories 861.7, Fat 36.7, SaturatedFat 8.2, Cholesterol 36, Sodium 7458.5, Carbohydrate 129.4, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 100.6, Protein 11.1

Gina's Spinach Salad image

Provided by Cowgirly

Categories Savory

Time 20m

Yield 4-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 cups fresh spinach
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1 lb bacon (cooked and chopped)
2 (11 ounce) cans mandarin oranges
1/2 cup dried cranberries
candied pecans (may substitute toasted slivered almonds)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 cup oil
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (powder)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions

Steps:

Put dressing ingredients into blender, and puree -- toss with salad Ingredients and that's it!
Hint: You can prepare double the amount of the salad mix then save 1/2 the dressing and have 2 meals. This makes a great big salad.
Hint #2 : Don't put the dressing on until right before you eat if you want it to stay crisp!