Fun Food Idea: Sea Turtle Apple Pasta Salad

This food art was inspired by the time I swam with the sea turtles this past summer and is sponsored by the USAppleExportCouncil.To make this #TingsFunFood, I used California Granny Smith Apples. They are tart, firm and refreshing - a perfect ingredient to add tanginess to my pasta salad!

How to make this Apple Pasta Salad into an Under the Sea themed food art

TURTLE:

• Cut the green apple in half and carve lines onto the skin with a paring knife for the turtle’s shell
• Slice the tip of a cucumber for the turtle’s head and trim cucumber limbs using baby food scissors
• Add candy eyes

PASTA SALAD:

• Cook conchiglie pasta according to package instructions. Rinse in cold water and drain well. Set aside.
• Cut tomatoes, and remaining green apples and cucumbers into bite-size pieces. Add them to the drained pasta.
• In a large bowl mix together pasta, ham, tomatoes, green apples and cucumbers
• In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, honey, vinegar, salt and pepper and pour over pasta. Toss until combined.

OCEAN:

• Slice cucumber lengthwise into narrow strips for the seaweed
• Cut cheddar cheese with a star cookie cutter for the starfishes
• Cut slices of ham into a fish with scissors
• Cut hot dog in half and slice the bottom of the hot dog vertically to create the tentacles.
• Lay mixed pasta salad at the bottom of the plate for the seabed

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Hope you like this food art! 

If you give this a try, be sure to share your pictures with me on IG @tingandthings_ or use hashtag #TingsFunFood. I'd love to see your version!