What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Table Food: Xanadu Pasta Salad! At first glance, this may appear as a five-minute throw-together meal. Think again. In actuality, the magic begins once half the ingredients are combined and tucked away in the refrigerator for a couple days to marinate. At this point, the pasta actually transforms into a gourmet dish you are likely to have tasted at a family-owned sandwich shoppe or small town deli. One forkful may leave you wondering if this is all a dream. Is that music I hear in the background? Xanadu. Quickly, store those thoughts in your memory bank. I have no doubt you’ll return there for more.
XANADU PASTA SALAD
Ingredients:
16 ounces vermicelli spaghetti pasta
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons seasoned salt
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 pint red and yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces small mozzarella balls, halved
1 teaspoon crushed oregano
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions:
Cook vermicelli according to package directions. Drain. Transfer to a large bowl. Combine cooked pasta, kosher salt, seasoned salt, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Pour mixture into a gallon ziplock bag. Refrigerate for two days, turning a couple times to marinate flavors. Then pour seasoned pasta into a large bowl. Spoon in red and yellow cherry tomatoes. Add small mozzarella balls. Sprinkle with crushed oregano. Gently toss. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately. Refrigerate leftovers.
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I will definitely have to try this! More heaven, you see! Thanks, Gail, have a great weekend 😋
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Be safe and Happy Eating. 😋🍂
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There are only 2 of us these days, so how many people would your recipe above serve?
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It will serve 4, so trust me…you’ll want seconds the following day. 😜🍂
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The sight of your xanadu pasta salad just makes me salivate. I love it! 💓💯
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Thank you. Salad is always a good idea, in my opinion. 🍃🍅
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This sounds great. I want to pick the last of our cherry tomatoes today. We have some cold nights ahead.
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Tell me about it. We are going to the grandkids’ football game and soccer match this weekend. It won’t get above 60°. 🍁🍂🌾
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Sounds and looks like fantastic (as always, i have to say. ;-)) Thank you Gail, for sharing this wonderful recipe! The name somehow remembers me on a song title of the Swedish band Abba. 🙂 Michael
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Nailed it! 🎶
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This looks great! Will have to try 😁
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Please enjoy. Wish I could give you a taste test. 😋🍂
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Terrific idea to marinate cooked pasta, and a fabulous salad, dear Gail!
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Thank you. When you’re feeding others, it’s a nice change. 🍃🍅
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You are very welcome, dear Gail.
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Oh yum. I’ll be making this soon.
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Peggy, you just made my day! 👏
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Past store bought mayonnaise-heavy pasta salads have made me a bit wary of pasta salad, but not this one – it sounds so refreshing! I’ll definitely be trying it sometime!
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Awesome. I’m ready to have it again. 👏😍🍂
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beautiful colours!! looks delicious!
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That’s half the battle, in my opinion. 😜🍂
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This is a beautiful meal Gail! Love the fresh mozzarella and cherry tomato paring and such an interesting name for the dish! Enjoy your meal!
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I appreciate you raves. They bring a big smile to my face! 😍
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Just like its cinematic namesake, this is magic.
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Now you’ll have that song in your head all day. lol 🎶
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Uh oh . . .
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