Since 'tis the season of busy days, I thought I'd share this delish dinner salad recipe with you. It's one of my favorites.
(If you are somewhere that is having freezing weather, you might want to come back and take a look at this post when it springtime!)
This beats grabbing a handful of cookies or m&ms (the peanut ones count as a meal, right?, protein and all).
*****
Smoked Turkey & Blue Cheese Pasta Salad
1 c. medium dried bow ties or medium shell macaroni
1/2 c. crumbled blue cheese (2 oz.)
1/3 c. bottled balsamic vinaigrette or oil and vinegar salad dressing*
6 oz. smoked turkey, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cups torn mixed salad greens
1/4 c. walnut or pecan pieces
1-11 oz. can mandarin orange sections, drained
(1) Cook pasta in lightly salted water according to package directions. Drain in colander. Rinse with cold water.
(2) Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine blue cheese and vinaigrette. Add smoked turkey, salad greens, and nuts. Add pasta; toss gently to coat. Top individual servings with mandarin orange sections. Serve with purchased bread sticks if desired
To me it's worth taking a couple of minutes to make this homemade:
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
1 c. olive oil
1/2 c. balsamic vinegar
3 - 5 gloves garlic, minced
3 T. Parmesan cheese
salt & pepper to taste
Whisk together vinegar, garlic and grated cheese. Gradually add the olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste.
(If you are somewhere that is having freezing weather, you might want to come back and take a look at this post when it springtime!)
This beats grabbing a handful of cookies or m&ms (the peanut ones count as a meal, right?, protein and all).
*****
Smoked Turkey & Blue Cheese Pasta Salad
1 c. medium dried bow ties or medium shell macaroni
1/2 c. crumbled blue cheese (2 oz.)
1/3 c. bottled balsamic vinaigrette or oil and vinegar salad dressing*
6 oz. smoked turkey, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cups torn mixed salad greens
1/4 c. walnut or pecan pieces
1-11 oz. can mandarin orange sections, drained
(1) Cook pasta in lightly salted water according to package directions. Drain in colander. Rinse with cold water.
(2) Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine blue cheese and vinaigrette. Add smoked turkey, salad greens, and nuts. Add pasta; toss gently to coat. Top individual servings with mandarin orange sections. Serve with purchased bread sticks if desired
To me it's worth taking a couple of minutes to make this homemade:
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
1 c. olive oil
1/2 c. balsamic vinegar
3 - 5 gloves garlic, minced
3 T. Parmesan cheese
salt & pepper to taste
Whisk together vinegar, garlic and grated cheese. Gradually add the olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste.
(Salad recipe from BHG Biggest Book of 30 Minute Meals.)
Linking to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum
Linking to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum
That salad sounds devine! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on my wreath. You have a new follower! :) ~Lanie
ReplyDeleteI just have to tell you that I HEART you! I just found your blog and I am loving looking at your fantastic past posts! You rock! Your ideas are inspirational and I will definately be back! Have a sassy night!
ReplyDeleteHow delicious! My kids aren't picky at all, but I think this might be above their taste level...but maybe when we have friends over.
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous gorgeous salad! Makes me want to actually eat a bite - and I hate salads. My husband would love it!
ReplyDeleteIt sure does beat M&Ms--this looks absolutely divine!
ReplyDeleteHey Kim! Thanks for linking up the salads/salad dressing link-up! This sounds so do-able (i.e., delish!) I don't know how I missed this back in December, but I'm so glad you resurrected it!
ReplyDeleteThanks bunches! I love salads...and a good dressing!