Pasta Salad is the perfect hot weather food. I like to make up a bowl to keep in the fridge on days like this when no one is interested in hot food.
What I include depends on what vegetables are in season. And I don’t measure anything (sorry). I just cook how much pasta I think we will need and then add the other things to my liking.
Here are my favorite ingredients, along with what I use to season it:
- Spiral pasta (cooked, drained and rinsed with cold water)
- Broccoli/Cauliflower
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Sweet yellow, orange or red bell peppers
- Blanched Fresh Peas (Now you know what I did with the peas I picked!)
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (which I didn’t have this time)
- Cheddar Cheese (tiny cubes)
- Parmesan Cheese (as much as a cup or two, depending on how much I’m making)
- Zesty Italian Salad Dressing (to taste—I add some when I’m making it, but usually add a little more when I serve it, since it soaks in.)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Wyler’s Shakers Zesty Italian and Herb Instant bouillon and seasoning to taste. Optional. I use a sprinkle to enhance the flavor, if I have any on hand. It allows me to cut down on the dressing.
Tip: If you plan to store it in the fridge for more than a day or two, keep the cheese and cucumbers separate. They are best added fresh.
Not only is this an easy dish, my boys, who usually put their noses up at anything with noodles in it, LOVE it! And it’s a great way to get them to eat vegetables!
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10 comments:
I love salads as side dishes for both lunch and dinner. I wonder if cubed chicken in this would create a light meal?
That sounds yummy and all the possibilities! Since my hubby works outdoors in the extreme heat, he doesn't like to eat heavy meals. Rounded out with a piece of grilled chicken....a perfect summer meal. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds wonderful, what time is lunch?
It looks very good and I'm really hungry!
We often have it with grilled chicken and it makes a wonderful meal! :)
I love this salad and make it often. Good point about the cucumbers. They always get soggy on me, even if I leave the skin on!
Sounds light and refreshing! My older daughter loves pasta salad and I think she would definitely enjoy some of these variations!
I make a salad that is very similar. The Zesty Italian is great in it!
This looks good. I make pasta salad with whatever is on hand. I put 3 bean salad in it and it's yummy!
Your salad looks wonderful, so colorful. I am going to have to try this.
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