Friday, July 5, 2013

Rigatoni Macaroni Salad

This is Aunt Connie's recipe that my mother-in-law Pat always made.  (Not to be confused with my mom Connie, even though she is an aunt. ;) )

Rigatoni Macaroni Salad

1 pound box rigatoni macaroni (or other favorite pasta shape, gluten free would work too)
3/4 cup olive oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups vinegar
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 Tablespoon salt
1 onion
1 green pepper
1 small jar pimento (optional)


Cook pasta according to package directions.  I used penne today. Don't cook it until it's mush, it needs to stand up to marinading in the liquid.  Drain off hot water.  You can cool pasta faster by running cool water on it.  Drain again.

Mix together oil, sugar, vinegar, pepper, and salt. Isn't my organic olive oil a pretty color?
Chop green pepper (or use any color you like.)
Chop onion (use yellow or even red as I had on hand.)
I never seem to have pimento on hand so always leave it out. Other pepper colors would be so pretty in here!
Combine with pasta and then dump oil mixture over the top. 
Stir.  Let set for 24 hours, stirring occasionally to be sure all the pasta soaks in the flavors. If you must make it the same day do it in the morning so it at least has the day to sit.
You can store this in the fridge for a while since it has vinegar in it.  Sometimes I cook a little more pasta and throw it back in the liquid that filters out when I scoop up the pasta/veggies.

6 comments:

  1. Hi Jenni, coming from Dawn's party...what a simple but delicious recipe! My husband is on a business trip this week so this would be perfect for me to have for lunch or dinner, Thank You for sharing, Lizy

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  2. That looks delicious, Jenny! And I love onion - and pasta! YUM. (Oh and thank you for sharing with FFF too, lol - I always feel weird commenting on our own!) LOL But that really does look yummy!!!! :-D --Zannie

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  3. This pasta sounds delicious Jenny! I'm definitely going to give it a try for a quick & easy weeknight dinner!! Pinned :)
    Thanks so much for sharing this at Wonderful Food Wednesday!!

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  4. G'day! Reminds me of a pasta salad my mum used to make which was special when I was little Jenny!
    YUM! Cheers! Joanne
    http://whatsonthelist.net

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  5. Hi Jenny, this looks delish. Pasta salad is a perfect side for almost any meal. Pinning and sharing.

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