Instead of mixing in the lettuce for this Italian salad, it is used as an edible bowl to hold the flavor-packed mixture. Spice it up with red pepper flakes if desired, and garnish with freshly shredded Parmesan.
Italian Pasta Salad with Sausage and Casarecce
5 pounds Barilla Casarecce
5 ounces extra-virgin olive oil
2 1/2 pounds finely diced red onion
5 ounces minced garlic
5 pounds Italian sausage, casings removed
1 1/2 pounds sundried tomatoes, julienned
2 1/4 pounds fresh or frozen peas
5 pounds roma tomatoes, diced
2 1/2 pounds diced red bell peppers
2 1/2 pounds diced yellow bell peppers
6 ounces chopped fresh Italian parsley
6 ounces chopped fresh cilantro
6 ounces chopped fresh basil
10 ounces balsamic dressing
10 ounces Italian dressing
10 ounces sundried tomato dressing
salt and pepper
5 heads iceberg lettuce, leaves separated