Monday Night Dinner Ideas : Pasta Salads , you’ve just gotten home from a long day at work or school, and the last thing you want to monday night dinneroz do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. But fear not! With these quick and delicious pasta salad recipes, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
What makes Monday Night Dinner Ideas special?
Monday nights often mark the start of a busy week ahead. monday night meals After a hectic day, the thought of cooking a complicated meal can be daunting. That’s where easy dinner ideas come in handy.
Importance of quick dinner ideas
Monday Night Dinner Ideas Having quick dinner options not only saves time but also ensures you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without the stress of extensive cooking.
easy monday night meals Pasta Salad Recipes
easy monday night meals Classic Italian pasta salad Transport yourself to Italy with this timeless pasta salad recipe featuring tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
RECIPE BY: JESS LARSON
Ingredients
- 8 ounces DeLallo Cavatappi, or other short pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons DeLallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 lemons, zested, juiced & divided
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into 3-4 flat planks
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 1 pound chicken thighs or thinly pounded chicken breast
- 1 6.35-ounce jar DeLallo Simply Pesto Sauce Traditional Basil
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season
Directions
- Prepare the grill for medium-high direct heat grilling.
- Boil the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water according to package directions. Drain & set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, half of the lemon zest & juice, & garlic. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Coat the bell pepper, zucchini, & cherry tomatoes in the marinade. Transfer to a large plate or small baking sheet.
- String the cherry tomatoes on a skewer. Set aside.
- Add the chicken to the bowl tossing to coat in the remaining marinade.
- Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Grill veggies for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender & charred. Remove from the grill & chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining lemon zest & juice with the pesto. Whisk to combine. Add the pasta, chicken, veggies & mozzarella pearls to the bowl. Toss to combine.
- Taste and season with additional salt or black pepper as needed. Serve warm, cold, or at room temperature.
- NOTE: Leftover pesto salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Healthy Pasta Salad Options
FAQs
- Can I make pasta salads ahead of time? Absolutely! Pasta salads are perfect for making ahead of time and storing in the refrigerator for a quick and convenient meal option.
- Are pasta salads suitable for vegetarians? Yes, pasta salads can easily be made vegetarian by omitting meat and incorporating plenty of vegetables and plant-based proteins.
- How long do pasta salads last in the fridge? Typically, pasta salads can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Can I customize pasta salads to suit dietary restrictions? Yes, pasta salads are highly customizable, allowing you to adjust ingredients to accommodate various dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free.
- What’s the best pasta shape for pasta salads? The best pasta shape for pasta salads is one with nooks and crannies to hold onto dressing and other ingredients. Fusilli, penne, and rotini are popular choices.