Party Salad Boats

puppitypup's Note:

Perfect for a buffet party because it turns salad into a finger food! If the onions aren't mild enough, saute them in olive oil first.

• Total Time: 2 hrs
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 12

Yield: 24.0 boats

Salad Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 2 pinches fresh ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 1/2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• 1/4 mild red onion, sliced thinly

Salad

• 1 large head green leaf lettuce
• 1 cup chopped tomato
• 1/4 lb thinly sliced pepperoni
• 2 (4 ounce) cans sliced olives
• 1/2 lb queso ranchero or 1/2 lb feta
• garlic salt

Pasta

• 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 4 quarts water

Directions:

1. Assemble the salad dressing an hour ahead, so the onion and salad dressing have time to blend but the onion is still crunchy.
2. Bring the water to a boil with the salt. Add the pasta and cook for 12 minutes. Drain immediately and cool completely.
3. Chop the romaine, tomatoes and pepperoni. Drain and add the olives. Crumble the cheese over the salad.
4. Toss the salad dressing and salad. The dressing will be clumpy. Add the dressing a little at a time, being careful to not add too much. Add garlic salt to taste.
5. (I usually spoon out the onions with a large non-slotted spoon. I use the dressing that comes along with the onions, leaving any excess dressing for another day.).
6. Fill the pasta shells.

Reviews

[Tiggrr]

Can't believe I forgot to review this one. Made these this summer for a pool party we hosted and they were loved by everyone. So easy to make and a great way to have a hand held salad. Made just as written and wouldn't change a thing!

[laurenpie]

Incredible! I want to make it again because my mouth is watering.

[Artful Cooking]

What a great dish! And so cute! The pasta shells are probably easier to fill than pasta like manicotti. Could sub seasoned rice vinegar for lemon juice for added flavor.