I usually have a variety of items to choose from in our vegetable garden, but our tomatoes haven't quite came in yet. Texas received some pretty cold temperatures late in the year, so our garden is off to a late start.
Since I can't enjoy home grown tomatoes just yet Walmart currently has a large variety of tomatoes in their produce section. Tomatoes are a fresh produce priority for the month of June, so Walmart asked me to share my creativity with a tomato recipe. Grilling season is in full swing, so I chose to make a summer pasta salad.
I chose NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes (priced at $2.98) to use in my pizza pasta salad, but the yellow and red cherry tomatoes will work just as well. Did you know that tomatoes are actually a fruit and not a vegetable? It has taken me a while to get used to that fact, because I immediately assume tomatoes are a vegetable.
I love to cook with tomatoes, but also I like to enjoy them as a snack, especially the cherry and grape tomatoes. In addition to tomatoes I added pepperonis, black olives, artichoke hearts, sweet mini peppers, string cheese, Parmesan cheese, pasta, a few seasoning and Kraft's Zesty Italian dressing, but you can use any Italian dressing of your choosing.
Pizza Pasta Salad
{mommyskitchen.net}
1 - 8 ounce package spiral garden pasta, cooked al dente
1 - 10.5 oz container red cherubs tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
1 - 2.25 oz can sliced black olives, drained
1 - 8 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and cut in half
7 - 8 string cheese, sliced
1/2 - cup sliced pepperonis, mini pepperonis, Genoa salami or turkey pepperonis
2/3 - cup green, yellow or orange bell peppers, roughly chopped
1/4 - cup red onion, chopped, optional
1/2 - cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 - 8 oz bottle prepared Italian dressing (use your favorite brand or homemade)
Italian seasoning, to taste
garlic powder, to taste
salt & pepper, to taste
In a large pot of salted water cook pasta according to package directions, until al dente. When pasta is cooked drain; rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large bowl combine the cherry tomatoes, black olives, artichoke hearts, sliced string cheese, pepperonis, chopped peppers, red onion (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese.
Add the cooled pasta and mix well. Add the seasoning and Italian dressing; toss to mix. Chill at least one hour before serving. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese for garnish.
Servings: 7 - 8
How to quickly cut cherry tomatoes in half: All you have to do is put a handful of tomatoes on one small plate, put another small plate on top of the tomatoes. Using your hand press down on the top plate, slide your knife between the middle opening between the two plates. This cuts all your tomatoes in half at once saving you a bit of time.
How to quickly cut cherry tomatoes in half: All you have to do is put a handful of tomatoes on one small plate, put another small plate on top of the tomatoes. Using your hand press down on the top plate, slide your knife between the middle opening between the two plates. This cuts all your tomatoes in half at once saving you a bit of time.
Meet Scott Rush one of Walmart's Tomato Growers!!! Locally grown produce is important to Walmart and their customers.
Need more recipe ideas? Check out the Recipe Index by Mommy’s Kitchen.
2 comments:
This looks Absolutely Wonderful. I love a good pasta salad on these hot summer Texas days.
Think I will use the mini pepperoni just to have some in every bite. :} Maybe some slivered carrots, diced cucumber, etc. Salad really makes for a wonderful veggie salad of sorts.
I have mostly everything on hand already.....except for the artichoke hearts.....of which is something that I never buy.
Thanks for sharing the recipe.
ColleenB.
Texas
Love! So yummy!
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