Jan 21, 2009

Salad Shells, salad you eat with your hands!

I first made this salad when I was catering my sister-in-laws baby shower.
The foods were all finger foods, I had cheese balls, fruit and dip, a veggie tray, spinach dip with bread, sweets, lots of yummy foods..
But something was missing.
We needed a salad dish.

I love salads.
I especially love pasta salad!
How do you make a salad into finger food?
Instead of pasta salad....
I decided to make a salad IN pasta!
It turned out great!
It makes a wonderful presentation.
And now this is a salad I make often.

It takes a little more work than a "normal" salad.
But it is worth it and no one will forget this salad!

Dana's Salad Shells.

This is more of a technique than a recipe.
Start with a box of large pasta shells. (the ones made for stuffing)
Cook the shells per package instructions, DO NOT OVER-COOK!!

As soon as the shells are done cooking, remove them from the boiling water into an ice-water bath, to quickly cool them and halt the cooking process.

While the shells cool, make your salad.
You can put anything you want into the salad, but all of the ingredients must be shopped into very small pieces, this way you can really stuff the shells.

I used
finely shredded lettuce,
salami,
diced cucumbers,
diced tomato,
thinly sliced green onion,
Shredded cheese.

You can use any dressing you choose.
I like to use a creamy garlic Italian.

Toss the dressing with your salad ingredients.

Remove shells from ice water, and set on a towel to dry slightly.
Stuff each shell with a handful of salad.

Place your stuffed shells into a shallow baking dish and refrigerate at least 1 hour to meld flavors.
Serve these to your guests at your next party and be prepared for oooh's and ahhh's!

Tips...
Try stuffing shells with, Seafood Salad, Tuna Salad, Avocado salad, or chicken salad... the possibilities are endless!


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14 comments:

  1. i bow to your culinary genius!

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  2. That looks wonderful and BRILLIANT!!

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  3. Ooh, that would be REALLY good with tuna salad! I LOVE tuna!

    Remember the kind Mom used to make when we were kids - with peas and cubed cheese? That was the best...

    Thanks, now I'm hungry again.

    - your spoiled rotten, "city girl", little sister

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  4. I do remember that salad! She ,must remember the recipe!

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  5. Thats it...
    I want to come and live with you.
    I do dishes for food!

    Matt

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  6. What a fantastic idea! ~Krista

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  7. wow that looks great....
    i think i might try next week
    thanks for sharing this is my first visit to your blog love it jeni>>>>>>

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  8. Can I be first in line if the "Man of Your Dreams" ever decides to leave?

    Matt - the lone Male who can't start his day without a little Dana.

    Keep it up Lady!

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  9. AWESOME, ingenious, unique idea! Love it. Would be a nice idea for Superbowl. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Ooh, those look so CUTE!

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  11. What a great idea! I am bookmarking this for the next time I entertain!

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  12. Oh my gosh! I am laughing out loud at how brilliantly simple that is. Well done!

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  13. I've made this for a few "bring a dish" events and everyone loves them!

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