Easy Italiano pasta salad! È fantastico!

Tweet

Pin It

I love macaroni salad. I’m also particular, and picky about macaroni salad. Seriously! If I am going to eat macaroni salad it has got to be worth the carb load! I have issues, is what I’m saying. I don't like macaroni salad that is gloopy or overly vinegary. I do like a macaroni salad that is creamy, but still light, I like it with a subtle blend of spices and I like macaroni salad with a confetti of color, good texture, flavor and spice.

This side dish took about fifteen minutes, working time, to make. It was so easy. But more than that, it was absolutely delicious.

Last week my niece invited the family to a barbeque, she was preparing at my Mom's home. Mom is 92, was a amazing cook/baker, but, now enjoys the fruits of teaching us all how to cook and bake. I decided to make  a Summery Pasta Salad and wanted a new pasta, so off to Pasta and Company, in Bellevue, Washington. I found a Italian pasta that was interesting to look at and colorful! Perfecto! I have the main character! Now, I will create the cast!

1 lb pasta cooked al dente

1/3 c. olive oil

1/4 c. cream

1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

Looking at the pasta in my herb garden, gave me some ideas!

 House Blend/ Pasta and Company (you can buy this already mixed, but here I give you a recipe)

1 tsp. Rosemary

1 tsp. Basil

1 tsp. Thyme

1 tsp. Marjoram

1 tsp. All Spice

~Store this in a airtight container or a ziplock bag

Salt and freshly ground pepper.

In a large bowl mix the pasta with the olive oil and the cream. Refrigerate to cool down. Next, add 1 tsp of the House Blend, the cheese, season with the salt and pepper to taste. You may need more of the House Blend, but start with 1 tsp and move up.

Then—this is important—chill the macaroni salad for at least a couple of hours.

This is divine. Utterly, incredibly divine. Light and creamy, I absolutely loved it. 

  

Pile it into your serving vessel, garnish with a fresh sprig of Thyme and serve it at your next barbecued/picnic/cookout/grilling party! 

                                          ~~~

I love Seattle! I grew up in the Seattle area and remember our trips to Seattle fondly. When we are in Seattle during the Summer months, you can find me weekly at the Public market, buying my fruits, vegetables and flowers. I would love to grow my own vegetables, as I did when my children were growing up, but, it just doesn't make sense, with our new retired life style. Recently I snapped a few pictures of my fun filled shopping trip. On this day, I parked at Pacific Plaza. I took the underground walkway to 4th, emerged onto the bustling streets of Seattle!

So fun! I just love Seattle!

The street is packed full of excitement and a mixture aromas of good food, fish, fruit and flowers!

Multiple displays of beautiful flowers, large bouquets of every color palate.

I'm always thrilled to see the beautiful display of vegetables and fruits. It is eye candy for me, makes my mind wander off to thinking about how the combinations would make a lovely quilt or table runner............

Just beautiful! So proud to call this home!

Here's to hoping your week is filled with color, fun and of course, good food!!

Cheers!
JJ