Have you ever visited Fave Southern Recipes? They promote many of my posts and I am sure they are going to love this one! Go on over and give them a looksey – you’ll love ’em as much as I do!
A few weeks ago I received an email from one of my great followers on my Face Book Page. Her name is Jill and she asked if I had the recipe for Publix Pasta Salad – she said her and her husband just loved it, especially with chicken and corn on the cob but it was so expensive she hoped to be able to make it cheaper at home for a family picnic she had coming up on Memorial Day. I had to tell Jill we didn’t have Publix grocery stores in Oklahoma but I would try my best to find the recipe and I suggested that maybe she make friends with one of the deli workers at her local Publix. Since they make it at each store, surely they would share the recipe.
I found a recipe from someone who posted on the Internet that she had made the salad at a Publix but Jill said it didn’t quite sound right. She made friends with a deli work and sure enough, she shared the recipe with her which Jill shared with me and today I am sharing with you – it is so doggone good and perfect for a picnic that needs a shelf stable dressing (no mayo in this!) and nearly everyone in the family scarfed it down like there was no tomorrow! I will be making it again and again – and you will too!
Today is my husband’s birthday and tomorrow is our 11th anniversary so this week will be very busy with eating out and going on adventures etc…. Having this salad in the fridge for me to eat in between is perfect!
Ingredients:
1 lb. bag of small shell pasta
Drizzle of Olive Oil (I did this myself – not in original recipe)
15 ounce jar of Artichoke Hearts, drained and roughly chopped
12 ounce bag of frozen spinach, thawed and water squeezed completely out
1 cup sliced Kalamata Olives, drained
1 to 2 Cups bottled Caesar Dressing – however much is to your taste
Salt and Pepper to taste
***I added some finely chopped red sweet peppers and a sprinkling of shredded Parmesan cheese just to make it look pretty***
Directions:
Prepare small shell pasta according to package directions, drain and then drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
Add everything else in a large bowl with pasta and mix well.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours – it’s perfect to make the night before.
Take to your party and don’t worry about re-refrigeration!
Enjoy! How easy was that? It’s really important to allow it to chill for a couple hours so the flavors can meld together.
This has two of my favorite ingredients – artichokes and kalamata olives – so I know I would love it.
I was wondering about the Publix con tigon since we do have them here. Thanks to you and Jill for making it public! 🙂
We do?!?! Oh gosh – I didn’t know that. Where are they? Tulsa? I must go visit and buy some of that pasta salad to see if there’s any difference in mine and theirs!
I will be making this for sure! Pasta salad is a weakness of mine. The hubby’s family loves it too, which makes it perfect to take to family barbecue! Perfect time of the year for it too! 🙂
We have a Publix not far from our home but I’ve never bought any of their deli salads. Jill is correct, they are expensive so I think she is right about making it herself. Thanks for passing along the recipe.
Just wanted to stop by and say “hello”. You’ve been missed, I hope all is well.
Hi Karen! Yes – all is well. I’ve made some recipes as well as photographed a few but I just haven’t had time to sit down and write up a post. Maybe now that summer is officially over – I’ll have more time! Thanks so much for missing me…………..you know, you always wonder who will! 🙂
😀 I know what you mean.
Thank you, Kelli! ‘Will definitely try this salad recipe. 🙂
What Caesar dressing do they use on their pasta? I found this grab-and-go pasta last week in FL and LOVED it…
I’m sorry, I don’t but when asked they said “whatever is on the shelf” so I think you could use any kind. It’s a great salad – we are having it tonight for supper!
Hi there! Thank you so much for this. In Florida they use fresh basil instead of frozen spinach. 🙂
Thank you so much for letting us know! Hope you enjoy the recipe and thanks for dropping by!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I spent way too much on this a few days ago and went to a different Publix for more tonight. It’s addicting. There was none on the shelf but plenty at the salad bar. The salad bar had closed 20 min. before I got there and the pasta salads were still out, but were covered with plastic wrap. I was thinking about getting some anyway, but nothing to scoop with. The deli clerk basically told me that if they were ‘out of it’ on the shelf there was nothing she could do. I could come back tomorrow. Guess what, Publix? I’m going to make my own.
I would love to take all the credit but honestly it was one of my wonderful followers who brought this dish to my attention! Now, it’s one of our regulars too. I’m so glad we could help you out – — take THAT Publix!!
It sure looks delicious and easy to make. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
For sure use fresh baby spinach or fresh basil or both,frozen spinach just not as good.
Yes! You are right!