Pasta salads are one of the easiest and best meals you can make during the summer. They can be made from leftovers you have in the fridge and things you already have in the house. No need to go to the store to make one of these! Personally, I love pasta salads and they are a great way to get the kiddies to eat a few vegetables, too! LOL! Plus, you can use lots of leftovers to make a whole new meal.
1. Make any type of pasta made according to the directions. Rinse with cold water and allow to cool completely. (I just keep running cold water on it until it is cool, then toss it in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes while I get the rest of the stuff together.) I like to use rotini or bow tie pasta, but you can even use spaghetti (just break it into pieces).
2. Any fresh/canned/frozen veggies you happen to have around. Canned corn works well, just rinse it well. Frozen veggies should be completely thawed before using. Fresh veggies, however, are always te best.
2. Any type of meat you happen to have ob hand. I usually use leftovers for this. But you can easily use lunchmeat, pepperoni, canned chicken and/or tuna, etc. Really, just about anything.
3. Add your favorite salad dressing. I find that Italian works well with everything, as does a vinegarette. But you can use whatever you like. My kids like ranch.
4. Additions - think about adding stuff like cheese, olives, kidney beans (straight out of the can and rinsed), bean sprouts, herbs, water chestnuts, etc.
Put it all in a bowl and toss it all together. Enjoy!
1. Make any type of pasta made according to the directions. Rinse with cold water and allow to cool completely. (I just keep running cold water on it until it is cool, then toss it in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes while I get the rest of the stuff together.) I like to use rotini or bow tie pasta, but you can even use spaghetti (just break it into pieces).
2. Any fresh/canned/frozen veggies you happen to have around. Canned corn works well, just rinse it well. Frozen veggies should be completely thawed before using. Fresh veggies, however, are always te best.
2. Any type of meat you happen to have ob hand. I usually use leftovers for this. But you can easily use lunchmeat, pepperoni, canned chicken and/or tuna, etc. Really, just about anything.
3. Add your favorite salad dressing. I find that Italian works well with everything, as does a vinegarette. But you can use whatever you like. My kids like ranch.
4. Additions - think about adding stuff like cheese, olives, kidney beans (straight out of the can and rinsed), bean sprouts, herbs, water chestnuts, etc.
Put it all in a bowl and toss it all together. Enjoy!
