Italian Chopped Salad Pasta Shells
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with these Italian Chopped Salad Pasta Shells. Filled with a vibrant medley of fresh, crisp ingredients, and garnished with savory salami and creamy feta cheese, each shell becomes a bite-sized heaven. Perfect as an appetizer, these shells can be prepared in advance—up to four hours before serving—making them an ideal choice for gatherings and entertaining. The homemade vinaigrette adds a personal touch, but feel free to use your favorite bottled Italian dressing for convenience. Enjoy this refreshing dish that brings the essence of a classic Italian salad into a fun, portable format.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
jumbo pasta shells
8 ounces (Cooked according to package instructions)
romaine lettuce
4 cups (Chopped)
fresh basil
1/2 cup (Chopped)
fresh tomato
1 cup (Chopped)
peeled cucumber
3/4 cup (Chopped)
Italian salami
3 ounces (Chopped)
crumbled feta cheese
4 ounces (Crumpled)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (N/A)
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (N/A)
mixed Italian herbs
1 teaspoon (N/A)
sugar
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
salt and pepper
to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions, being cautious not to overcook them. Once tender yet firm to the bite (al dente), drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside on a baking tray to cool.
2
While the pasta shells are cooling, prepare the salad components. Chop the romaine lettuce, basil, fresh tomatoes, and cucumber into small, uniform pieces to ensure easy stuffing into the shells.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, mixed Italian herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Pour this over the chopped salad mixture and toss lightly until everything is well coated.
4
Carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the salad mixture, packing them gently but firmly to fill each shell without bursting.
5
Place the stuffed shells on a serving platter or in an airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for up to four hours before serving to let the flavors meld together and to keep the lettuce crisp.
6
When ready to serve, garnish with additional salami and feta cheese if desired, and enjoy this refreshing appetizer!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian Chopped Salad Pasta Shells?
They are a unique appetizer featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a vibrant medley of romaine lettuce, basil, tomatoes, cucumber, salami, and feta cheese tossed in a homemade vinaigrette.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
Jumbo pasta shells are essential for this recipe as they provide the perfect vessel for holding the chopped salad mixture.
How should I cook the pasta shells?
Cook the shells in boiling salted water until al dente, ensuring they are firm enough to hold their shape when stuffed.
Why should I rinse the pasta in cold water?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process immediately, which prevents the shells from becoming mushy and helps them cool faster for stuffing.
Can I make these stuffed shells in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate these shells up to four hours before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
What is in the homemade vinaigrette?
The dressing consists of olive oil, red wine vinegar, mixed Italian herbs, a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper.
Can I use store-bought dressing instead?
Absolutely. If you are short on time, you can substitute the homemade dressing with your favorite bottled Italian dressing.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written, it contains Italian salami, but you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the meat.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes chopped romaine lettuce, fresh basil, chopped tomatoes, and peeled cucumber.
How small should I chop the salad ingredients?
Ingredients should be chopped into small, uniform pieces to ensure they fit easily inside the pasta shells.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for crumbled feta cheese, which adds a creamy and tangy flavor profile.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Yes, you can use small mozzarella pearls or shaved parmesan if you prefer a different cheese.
What kind of salami should I buy?
Any Italian-style salami works well; simply chop it into small pieces to match the size of the vegetables.
How do I prevent the pasta shells from breaking?
Be careful not to overcook them and handle them gently when stuffing the salad mixture inside.
How should I store the shells before serving?
Place them on a serving platter or in an airtight container, cover them, and keep them in the refrigerator.
Why is there sugar in the dressing?
A small amount of sugar (1/8 teaspoon) helps balance the acidity of the red wine vinegar.
Can I add extra protein to the shells?
Yes, you could add small pieces of grilled chicken or chickpeas for additional protein.
Are these served hot or cold?
These are served cold, making them a refreshing choice for summer parties or outdoor gatherings.
What is the best way to garnish the shells?
Garnish with extra bits of salami and crumbled feta just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Can I use iceberg lettuce instead of romaine?
While romaine is preferred for its crunch and nutrition, iceberg lettuce can be used if that is what you have on hand.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe uses 12 ingredients, including the pantry staples for the vinaigrette.
What type of vinegar works best for the dressing?
Red wine vinegar is recommended for its classic Italian flavor profile.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
The recipe suggests using a peeled cucumber for a softer texture within the salad.
How do I stop the shells from sticking together while cooling?
Spread the cooked and rinsed shells out in a single layer on a baking tray to cool.
Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
No, freezing is not recommended because the fresh lettuce and vegetables will lose their texture and become soggy.
What are 'mixed Italian herbs'?
This is typically a dried blend containing oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written is not gluten-free because of the wheat pasta, but you can use gluten-free jumbo shells as a substitute.
How many pasta shells are in 8 ounces?
An 8-ounce box typically contains about 15 to 20 jumbo shells, depending on the brand.
Can I add olives to the mix?
Yes, sliced black olives or kalamata olives would be a delicious addition to the Italian theme.
Is this a main dish or an appetizer?
While it can be a light lunch, it is designed to be a fun, portable appetizer for entertaining.