Italian Chopped Salad in Shells is a delightful appetizer that combines the freshness of a chopped salad with the fun and convenience of stuffed pasta shells. Perfect for a cookout, picnic, or any gathering where light, flavorful bites are appreciated, this recipe promises a burst of Italian-inspired flavors in every bite.
Recipe Overview
Name: Italian Chopped Salad in Shells
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 3 hours (includes 2 hours chilling time)
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 36 appetizers
Rating: 5 stars (from 169 reviews)
Calories: 64.7 per serving
Cuisine: Italian
Category: Chicken
Keywords: Pasta Shells, Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, European, Christmas, Weeknight, Refrigerator, < 4 Hours, Easy
Ingredients
The ingredients for Italian Chopped Salad in Shells are simple yet flavorful, combining fresh vegetables with pasta shells and a tangy vinaigrette:
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 3/4 cup vinaigrette dressing
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta Shells: Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Ensure they are cooked al dente, then drain and allow to cool completely.
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Prepare the Salad Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, fresh basil, diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped red onion. This mixture forms the heart of your flavorful stuffing.
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Toss with Vinaigrette: Pour the vinaigrette dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. The vinaigrette adds a zesty, tangy flavor that complements the freshness of the vegetables.
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Stuff the Pasta Shells: Carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the prepared salad mixture. This step allows you to create beautiful and tasty appetizers that are easy to handle and serve.
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Chill Before Serving: Cover the stuffed shells and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the appetizers.
Serving Suggestions
Italian Chopped Salad in Shells is best served chilled, making it a refreshing choice for warm weather gatherings. Arrange the stuffed shells on a platter and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 64.7 per serving
- Fat Content: 1.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 5.2mg
- Sodium Content: 51.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 10g
- Fiber Content: 0.6g
- Sugar Content: 0.6g
- Protein Content: 3.3g
Tips for Success
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Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the pasta shells are not overcooked to maintain their shape and texture when stuffed.
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Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use crisp, fresh vegetables to enhance the salad’s crunch and flavor.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning of the vinaigrette or add a pinch of salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad mixture and stuff the shells a few hours ahead of serving, making this recipe convenient for party planning.
Conclusion
Italian Chopped Salad in Shells offers a creative twist on traditional pasta salads, combining the convenience of pasta shells with the freshness of a chopped salad. With its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and easy-to-handle portions, this appetizer is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a light main dish, these stuffed shells showcase the essence of Italian cuisine in a delightful and approachable way. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where good food and good company come together, this recipe is a testament to the versatility and appeal of Italian-inspired cooking.
