Parish Pasta Salad
A vibrant pasta salad featuring fresh snow peas, savory meats, and Italian flavors, perfect for casual gatherings or a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Follow the directions on the pasta salad boxes to cook the pasta.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then remove and set aside.
- Brown the sausage in the same skillet, drain excess fat.
- Return the cooked meats to the skillet, add garlic, and cook for a minute.
- Drain the pasta and mix it in a salad bowl with olive oil.
- Add 1/3 to 1/2 of the seasoning mix from each pasta salad box, tasting to adjust.
- Wash and cap the snow peas, then break them into bite-sized pieces and add to the salad.
- Add the snow peas to the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage. If you can't find snow peas, snap peas or even chopped bell peppers can work well. Be cautious with the seasoning mix; start with less and adjust to your taste. This dish can also benefit from a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving, enhancing the Italian flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Parish Pasta Salad is perfect as a standalone dish or as a side for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Lasagna Presto or Beef Manicotti. Consider serving it with a light vinaigrette or crusty bread to soak up the flavors. Garnishing with fresh herbs can also elevate the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, serve cold as a refreshing side dish, which can bring out the flavors even more after a day in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parish Pasta Salad contains roughly 356 calories, with 15g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to avoid sogginess. Mixing the salad shortly before serving will help maintain freshness and texture.
What can I add for extra crunch?
For added texture, consider incorporating diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts. These ingredients not only enhance the crunch but also bring additional flavors to the dish.
Can I customize the meats used in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the meats to your preference. You can use only one type of meat or substitute with cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor. Just ensure that the total weight remains similar for best results in seasoning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).