Penne Pasta, New Potatoes, and Spinach Salad
Hi everybody - it’s been ages since I wrote a post, but I’m tossing a quick one out there tonight since there was actually a bit of creativity going on in my kitchen today.
The hubs recommended we try this salad since he gets something similar at work from time to time. It turned out to be one of those fresh-tasting summer meals that fills you up without making you feel like you over-ate. Here’s the formula:
Penne Pasta, New Potatoes, and Spinach Salad
1/2 lb. penne pasta
9 tiny baby red potatoes
1/2 package of fresh spinach
4 slices of bacon, crumbleddressing ingredients:
1/2 c. olive oil
2 Tablespoons natural rice vinegar
2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 Tablespoon honey
1/4 (or less) teaspoon sesame seed oil
salt and pepper
First, cook the pasta according to the package directions. At the same time, boil the potatoes (whole) for about 10-20 minutes, or until cooked but not too soft. You can tell by poking them with a paring knife. While that stuff boils, chop the spinach and crumble the bacon. Along with the garlic, put the spinach and bacon in a large bowl. When the pasta and potatoes are done, they need to be chilled thoroughly in icy water. Drain the pasta well and add to the spinach. Next, dice the potatoes into quarters or eighths and place back into cold water. (Red potatoes are pretty starchy and I like to rinse some of that off.) Finally, add the potatoes to the spinach and pasta.
Next, simply whisk all the dressing ingredients together and then pour it over your salad. Toss to coat.
We found this to be quite likable and delicious. I’m not a big potato fan and certainly not a potato salad fan, but loved this anyway.
ENJOY!
Add comment August 1st, 2010