I love salad, especially when I’m indulging (or over-indulging) in delicious foods. I somehow feel obligated to balance all the calorie-laden delights with something just a bit healthy, even if I’m the only one eating it! That must be from growing up with an original Weight Watchers mom.
So, how in the heck do you serve a salad when you’re serving appetizers or finger foods? Or, your event is not a sit-down event. T’aint easy balancing a plate and a beverage, and trying to spear a salad…or maybe that’s just me?!
If you can’t tell by now, I’m also a carb and pasta lover. It’s clear I’m not exactly skin and bones, and I’ve been known to execute a perfect carb coma on occasion….it’s a talent, really. But…I do love a great salad. So, in my guilt…I mean effort…in finding a way to serve an easy salad when finger foods are called for, I came up with my Shell of a Good Salads…thanks in large part to Dorito Scoops…my inspiration (did I tell you I love junk food, too?)
Anyone can make a great salad, right? In this case, it’s the vessel that counts. And the vessel is….ta ta ta daaaah…Large Pasta Shells. That’s Right…PASTA SHELLS. They’re PERFECT for holding a small salad, and ya just eat the whole damn thing…no spearing involved! They look pretty arranged on a serving platter, and your guests will be super impressed, believe me…or maybe my guests are easily impressed…who knows?! I generally figure 1-2 per person…one if it’s an “average” salad (like a plain old caeser); 2 if it’s a really super delicious, flavor packed, multi-ingredient salad. Or, if I have someone new I’m feeding and I don’t know their food preferences, I’ll make a couple extra just in case…Let them eat salad…said in my best Marie Antoinette voice…
So, here’s my Shell of a Good Time Salads…hold onto your hat, this is a really hard recipe to follow…seriously, I feel silly even doing it as an official recipe format it’s so stupid simple! Taking the easy road with just listing what you need….I think you can figure out how to pull it together!
INGREDIENTS
Large Pasta Shells – enough for 1-2 per person you’re feeding
Your favorite salad – lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, favorite veggies…make it what you love!
A bit of olive oil
Your favorite finely shredded cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
Boil pasta shells according to package directions. In the meantime, drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil on your serving platter. When shells are done, drain well and arrange on serving platter and allow to cool. Be careful…they’ll be hot!
In a separate bowl, mix up your favorite salad, including your choice of salad dressing and toppings. Toss all together well.
When shells are cool, spoon salad into the cup of each shell. Drizzle all with a small bit of olive oil to prevent sticking together. Sprinkle your favorite finely shredded cheese over entire platter. Tuck a basil, mint or parsley garnish here and there. Cover with plastic wrap and chill 1-2 hours before serving.
See…isn’t that stupid simple?!
