CALICO CAULIFLOWER PASTA SALAD

Calico Cauliflower Pasta Salad image

Provided by Pat Duran

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 18

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SALAD:
5 c chopped uncooked cauliflowerets, bite size pieces
1 c cucumber slices
1 c red onion, cut into thin wedges
1 c grape tomatoes, cut in 1/2
1/2 c sugar snap peas, cut in half, or 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1 1/2 c uncooked pasta , elbow or bowtie or wagon wheel
1/2 to 1 c cooked shrimp, cubed cooked ham, bacon or tuna may be added if desired
DRESSING:
1/2 c olive oil
1 Tbsp dry dill weed
1/4 c rice vinegar
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 c mayonnaise, optional- use if adding the meat or seafood
2 tsp finely chopped fresh garlic
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp pepper

Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions to the al dente stage; rinse; drain. Set aside. --- Combine all vegetables in a large bowl. (add seafood,or ham or bacon or tuna now if using) Set aside.
2. Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, vinegar, dill, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil. (mix in mayonnaise if add the seafood or ham,tuna or bacon)
3. Pour dressing over pasta and fold in the vegetables.Cover and Chill at least 2 hours. --- Note: I usually make double dressing to serve at the table- the pasta will absorb some of the dressing- so it depends how moist you like your salad.