Party Salad Boats

Name: Party Salad Boats
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 24 boats, 12 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon italian seasoning; 1 pinch kosher salt; 2 pinches fresh ground pepper; 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 1/2 tablespoons parmesan cheese; 1/4 mild red onion, sliced thinly; 1 large head green leaf lettuce; 1 cup chopped tomato; 1/4 lb thinly sliced pepperoni; 2 (4 ounce) cans sliced olives; 1/2 lb queso ranchero or 1/2 lb feta; garlic salt; 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 4 quarts water

Submitted by puppitypup

"Perfect for a buffet party because it turns salad into a finger food! If the onions aren't mild enough, saute them in olive oil first."

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photo by alenafoodphoto

Ready In:: 2hrs
Ingredients:: 17
Yields:: 24 boats
Serves:: 12

ingredients

Salad Dressing
¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 pinch kosher salt
2 pinches fresh ground pepper
¹⁄₂ teaspoon minced garlic
2 ¹⁄₂ tablespoons parmesan cheese
¹⁄₄ mild red onion, sliced thinly
Salad
1 large head green leaf lettuce
1 cup chopped tomato
¹⁄₄ lb thinly sliced pepperoni
2 (4 ounce) cans sliced olives
¹⁄₂ lb queso ranchero or 1/2 lb feta
garlic salt
Pasta
1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon kosher salt
4 quarts water

directions

Assemble the salad dressing an hour ahead, so the onion and salad dressing have time to blend but the onion is still crunchy.
Bring the water to a boil with the salt. Add the pasta and cook for 12 minutes. Drain immediately and cool completely.
Chop the romaine, tomatoes and pepperoni. Drain and add the olives. Crumble the cheese over the salad.
Toss the salad dressing and salad. The dressing will be clumpy. Add the dressing a little at a time, being careful to not add too much. Add garlic salt to taste.
(I usually spoon out the onions with a large non-slotted spoon. I use the dressing that comes along with the onions, leaving any excess dressing for another day.).
Fill the pasta shells.

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Reviews

these are amazing!! made them for a new years party and everyone loved them!!!!!

Dawn G.
Can't believe I forgot to review this one. Made these this summer for a pool party we hosted and they were loved by everyone. So easy to make and a great way to have a hand held salad. Made just as written and wouldn't change a thing!

Tiggrr
Incredible! I want to make it again because my mouth is watering.

laurenpie
What a great dish! And so cute! The pasta shells are probably easier to fill than pasta like manicotti. Could sub seasoned rice vinegar for lemon juice for added flavor.

Artful Cooking
Well this was a wonderful little item to enjoy and devour! I had never heard of these, but now I am so glad I was able to try this recipe. I will be making this for the second time this Saturday. The pasta shells were easy enough to put together, and put the salad pieces into. I used half the dressing and kept the extra for use later on in the week. Don't hesitate to pop these right into your mouth, and enjoy! Thanks, puppitypup!

Andi Longmeadow Farm

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Tweaks

These are adorable and tasty! I made a reduced amount and both of us thought they were cute. I will definitely be making this recipe again to take to a potluck. I used chopped green onions instead of red and also stayed with parmesan in the salad. I placed three on lettuce leaves on individual salad plates to serve. Thanks for sharing the recipe! =)

Susie D