Shell Pasta Salad

Marinate tomatoes, broccoli, olives, artichoke hearts and onion with shell pasta overnight for a delicious make ahead salad.

The shells scoop up more flavor to create this simple pasta salad that’s always popular at potlucks and parties.

Pasta Salad with Olives and Artichokes

We recently served 100 people for a fundraiser event and shared three options for pasta salad. The shells and simplicity of extras caught the crowd’s eye and this simple Shell Pasta Salad went the fastest.

Some guests enjoyed the crunch in this Pasta Salad with Broccoli and Cauliflower. Our meaty Pasta Salad with Salami and Pepperoni and Cheese was also very popular.

While the ingredients look simple, adding the packet of zesty Italian dressing mix helps the flavor stick to the noodles instead of rinsing off like dressing alone can. Since this pasta salad is made without meat and offers a vegetarian option the seasoning packet adds the pop of flavor to make this side dish so desirable.

So Many Variations

• Can add 1 cup fresh chopped mushrooms – stir in when ready to serve
• My friend suggests adding 8 ounces of marble cheese cubes to enhance the savory flavor. Adding half a cup of feta is also a great option for more of a Greek and Mediterranean enhancement.
• Can add 2 cups of cooked, chopped chicken breast to transform into a main dish for an easy lunch.
• Sprinkling grated parmesan cheese on top tastes great if no other cheese is used.

Ingredients Needed

• Shell Pasta – small shells hold some extra seasoning, dressing and flavor.
• Broccoli – adds more fiber and some crunch, chop finely for the best blending.
• Cherry Tomatoes – 10 ounces is roughly equal to 3.5 to 4 cups chopped.
• Sliced Black Olives – not everyone loves olives, so only use half and serve extra on the side if this is a concern.
• Artichoke Hearts – we use a can and chop them up more before stirring into the salad.
• Red Onion – adds a pretty pop of color and enhances the flavor of plain pasta.
• Zesty Italian Dressing Mix – one packet is perfect.
• Italian Dressing – a classic Italian is fine, but we have tested the Olive Garden dressing and it works fine too.

How To Make Shell Pasta Salad

Bring water to a boil, salt generously and cook pasta using the directions on the box.

Drain well and rinse immediately with cold water.

Pour dressing over the noodles and stir well. Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the pasta and stir again.

Finally, chop the vegetables and stir well.

Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 3 but up to 48 hours before serving.

Cover tightly and marinate over night in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving.

More Great Picnic Recipe Ideas

• Salad For A Crowd
• Muffuletta Pasta Salad
• Casserole with Butter Beans and Ground Beef
• Bisquick Herb Biscuits
• Pesto Crescent Rolls
• Fruity Pebbles Cereal Treats