Cajun French: le jardinage (lu jar-deen-aj) – vegetables
This pasta salad has been a staple in our recipe box for over forty years. During our sailing life chapter, this was a go to recipe. It is easy to make, travels well and keeps great in an ice chest. As so many of our recipes, this one has evolved over time yet the basics never changed much. Whether you RV, sail, picnic or just need a quick salad, this can be your go to. If you need a main meal, add protein to the salad and you have a perfect meal.
Mais C’est Bon!
Enjoy!!
Ingredients:
12 oz rainbow rotini, uncooked
2 oz jar chopped pimento
1 cup bell pepper (any color or combination of colors)
½ cup carrot – shred, grate or chop
1 cup broccoli florets, fresh – bite size pieces
½ cup cucumber, sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
½ cup red onion, sliced thin
Salt
Cajunville seasoning or other Cajun seasoning
Black pepper
Olive oil (good quality)
Cane vinegar
Garlic cloves (2 lg)
1 tsp fresh oregano or ¼ tsp dried
1 tsp fresh thyme or ¼ tsp dried
1 tsp fresh parsley or ¼ tsp dried
1 oz block parmesan cheese, coarsely grated
Honey
Mayonnaise
Equipment:
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Pot for boiling pasta
Spider or slotted spoon
Cutting board
Sharp knife for chopping & slicing
Large bowl for mixing salad
Blender, bullet or other item for mixing
If neither blender, bullet or other mixing item – large bowl and whisk
Strainer or colander
Grater
Directions:
Prepare vegetables and place in bowl
Add pimento with liquid
Add: ½ tsp salt
½ tsp Cajunville seasoning or other Cajun seasoning
Combine and set aside
Prepare dressing in jar with lid:
3 oz cane vinegar or your choice of vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh oregano or ¼ tsp dried
1 tsp fresh thyme or ¼ tsp dried
1 tsp fresh parsley or ¼ tsp dried
¼ tsp black pepper
1 oz parmesan cheese, coarsely grated
1 Tbl honey
Secure lid on jar and shake to combine ingredients
Add: 4 oz olive oil
Secure lid on jar and shake to mix well
Bring water to a boil for pasta
When water boils add
1 Tbl Cajunville Seasoning or other Cajun seasoning
1 Tbl salt
Stir
Add pasta, stir
Cook according to package directions or to your taste
When pasta is cooked, drain and place in large bowl
Shake dressing to mix
Add ¼ cup dressing to pasta
Mix well to coat pasta
To remaining dressing add 2 Tbl Mayonnaise
Shake well to combine
To Pasta add:
Mixed vegetables and combine
½ remaining dressing and combine
Pour the remaining dressing over salad and combine
Eat immediately or refrigerate overnight to marry flavors
Enjoy
