Mediterranean Shell Salad
Brighten up your next picnic or potluck with this refreshing Mediterranean Shell Salad, a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is completely mayo-free! This easy-to-make salad offers a perfect medley of pasta shells, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty dressing that’s sure to please the crowd. Ideal for warm weather gatherings, it’s been a family favorite for years and serves as a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta salads. Enjoy this dish chilled, where the flavors meld together beautifully, offering a tantalizing taste of the Mediterranean with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium sea shell macaroni
1 lb (Cook according to package directions and drain.)
tomato soup
1 can (No preparation needed, use straight from the can.)
green bell pepper
1 medium (Chopped.)
onion
1 medium (Chopped.)
pimientos
1 (4 ounce) jar (No preparation needed, use straight from the jar.)
sugar
3/4 cup (No preparation needed.)
cooking oil
3/4 cup (No preparation needed.)
cider vinegar
3/4 cup (No preparation needed.)
salt
to taste (No preparation needed.)
black pepper
to taste (No preparation needed.)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Shell Salad?
It is a refreshing, mayo-free pasta salad made with shell macaroni, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty tomato-based dressing.
Does this recipe contain mayonnaise?
No, this Mediterranean Shell Salad is completely mayo-free, making it a great alternative to traditional pasta salads.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of medium sea shell macaroni.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 10 main ingredients: pasta shells, tomato soup, green bell pepper, onion, pimientos, sugar, oil, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Is this salad suitable for picnics?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for picnics and warm weather gatherings since it does not contain mayonnaise.
Is the Mediterranean Shell Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What is the base of the dressing?
The dressing is made using a unique blend of canned tomato soup, sugar, cider vinegar, and cooking oil.
How much macaroni do I need?
You will need 1 pound of medium sea shell macaroni.
Do I need to cook the tomato soup?
No, the tomato soup is used straight from the can as part of the dressing mixture.
Which fresh vegetables are included?
The recipe includes one medium green bell pepper and one medium onion, both chopped.
Are pimientos used in this salad?
Yes, the recipe requires one 4-ounce jar of pimientos, used straight from the jar.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
Cider vinegar is used to provide the zesty flavor, specifically 3/4 cup.
How much oil is added to the salad?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of cooking oil.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
This dish is best enjoyed chilled, as the flavors meld together beautifully when cold.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Absolutely, it is described as a crowd-pleasing potluck favorite.
How should I prepare the green bell pepper?
The green bell pepper should be chopped into small pieces before being added.
How should I prepare the onion?
The onion should be chopped before being mixed into the salad.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and black pepper to taste.
Is this a complicated recipe?
No, it is an easy-to-make recipe with simple steps and common ingredients.
What size jar of pimientos should I use?
You should use a 4-ounce jar of pimientos.
How do I prepare the pasta shells?
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions and drain thoroughly before using.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While the recipe specifies sea shells, other small pasta shapes could be used, though it will change the traditional look of the 'Shell Salad'.
What gives this salad its Mediterranean flair?
The combination of peppers, onions, and a vinegar-based dressing gives it a bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
The primary ingredients are dairy-free, but you should check the label of your tomato soup to be certain.
Is there any special preparation for the dressing?
The dressing ingredients (soup, sugar, oil, vinegar) are mixed together without needing prior cooking.
Is this a good summer recipe?
Yes, it is described as ideal for warm weather gatherings and outdoor events.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead and chilling it allows the flavors to develop and meld together.
What is the flavor profile of the salad?
It is a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet salad with a crunchy texture from the fresh vegetables.
Is this a long-standing recipe?
Yes, it is noted as being a family favorite for years.