Santa Fe Pasta Salad Recipes

SANTA FE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare the pasta by bringing water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan.
• Add pasta to the pan, and when water begins to boil again, cook for 8-11 minutes.
• Pasta should be al dente, or mostly tender but with a slight toughness in the middle.
• Whisk all of the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
• Cover and chill the dressing until you're ready to use it.
• When pasta is done, pour it into a large bowl.
• Add the dressing and toss.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the pasta, and toss until combined.
• Cover and chill for several hours before serving.

KOO KOO ROO SANTA FE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare the pasta by bringing 4-5 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan. Add pasta to the pan, and when water begins to boil again, cook for 8-11 minutes. Pasta should be al dente, or mostly tender but with a slight toughness in the middle. Whisk all of the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Cover and chill the dressing until you're ready to use it. When pasta is done, pour it into a large bowl. Add the dressing, then toss.

PASTA SANTA FE

Steps:

• 1. Saute walnuts, onions, peppers, cilantro and garlic in olive oil...do not overcook...keep peppers a little firm. Salt and pepper to taste.
• 2. Put pasta in a large serving bowl or dish...toss with pesto sauce to coat evenly. Add sauteed ingredients and toss lightly. Cut grilled chicken into strips and place on top of tossed pasta....Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and coarse ground pepper.
• 3. Takes about 30 - 45 minutes from start to finish.
• 4. Add a Caesar salad and some warm garlic or cheese bread and you have a scrumptious meal! Oh yes....and don't forget the wine!

SANTA FE CHICKEN PASTA (COPYCAT)

Steps:

• Cook your chicken first.
• To blacken, lightly sprinkle blackening seasoning on both sides of the chicken.
• Heat a stainless steel pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken completely - turning only once.
• Hint: You may want to do this on your grill outside because a lot of smoke can be generated.
• Slice the chicken into the thin long strips.
• Set the chicken aside while you prepare the sauce and noodles.
• In a large pot, start heat your water to a boil in preparation for the pasta.
• In a large stainless saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat.
• While the butter is melting, finely mince the garlic and then add to the pan.
• Cook the garlic for two minutes and then add all of the cream.
• Stir occasionally while it reduces by half.
• Hint: If your garlic turns brown then the pan was too hot - start over, it will be worth it.
• While the cream is starting to reduce, prepare your other ingredients by finely mincing the green onions, cilantro, tomatoes & roasted red peppers - but keep the tomatoes separate.
• Stir in the cilantro, green onion & roasted red peppers while it's reducing.
• Your cream should be simmering now as it reduces - this process will normally take more than 20 minutes - stir occasionally and keep a watch out for it boiling over.
• Boil the pasta, which should take at least 12 minutes.
• Clean the snow peas and add them to the cream - if they simmer in the cream for at least 10 minutes they are perfect - cooked through and hot, but still a bit crisp.
• When the pasta is done, the cream should be reduced by half now. The cream's texture should not be thick like Alfredo sauce, but not runny like water.
• Drain the pasta well! Penne pasta is a pain because it holds so much water, but too much left over water will thin out the sauce you worked so hard for.
• Put the noodles back in its pot and pour your cream over the noodles.
• Add the chicken and stir everything together well.
• Serve immediately as this dish is not good as leftovers or once the cream cools.
• Spoon out an appropriate amount onto a plate and then sprinkle some diced tomatoes on top - you can also use some left over cilantro sprig as garnish if you like.
• I usually serve this with warm Italian bread with soft butter on the side.

LIKE-EARL'S SANTA FE SALAD

Steps:

• Dressing:.
• Combine ingredients in a food processor or use a hand immersion blender to process until mixture is green and tiny specks of peanuts and lime are visible. Makes 3/4 cup.
• Salad:.
• Heat oil to 375 degrees in a deep fryer or heavy pot (a small pot using about 1 cup oil and working in two batches works well); add tortilla pieces and deep fry until golden and crisp; drain on paper towels (may also be baked @ 375 degrees). (Note: Coarsely crushed corn tortilla chips or purchased deep fried chow mein noodles may be substituted for deep fried tortilla pieces or whole corn tortilla chips may be decoratively placed beside the prepared salad instead.).
• Rub corn with vegetable oil and grill over medium-high heat until lightly browned; cool and remove kernels. (3/4 cup cooked corn may be substituted).
• Place lettuces in a large bowl; toss together with enough dressing to lightly coat. Add corn, dates, black beans and half the tortilla pieces and feta cheese; toss well. Divide between 4 plates and top with remaining feta cheese and tortilla pieces. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over top. Peel and thinly slice avocado and divide between 4 plates; place beside each salad.