There are many variations on the Pasta Salad. I’ve tried quite a few of them too! My favorite was actually made at my Bridal Shower that was thrown for me at work 15 years ago. I’ve been making it that way ever since. Of course I’ve had others since then, but they haven’t been able to top it. You will notice that I do not have exact measurements below. This is because it’s really about taste preference. I don’t measure. I put it together, try it and if I think it needs a little more of something, I add it. I will always underestimate the ingredients just because you can’t take it away once it’s added!
- 1 Box of Tri-Colored Noodles
- Italian Dressing ( I use the Fat Free Zesty Italian) (Approximately 3/4 to 1 Cup)
- McCormicks Salad Supreme Seasoning (Approximately 2 – 3 tablespoons)
- 1 Cucumber
- Block Cheese. You can use whichever one you like. I love Cracker Barrel’s Vermont Sharp Cheese. (Approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cut into small pieces)
- Mini Pepperoni. I use probably 1/2 the package.
- Parmesan Cheese. I add this after everything else is mixed.
Cook the Pasta per the directions on the box. Drain the Pasta and rinse in cold water until the Pasta is no longer hot/warm. Mix all the ingredients together. Put in a container that has a well-sealed lid. Put the Pasta Salad in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours upside down. When you bring it back out, stir everything again. If you feel it needs more Italian Dressing for more wetness, certainly add it. Taste it and make sure it settled well and it tastes to your preference.
Pasta Salad Fixin’s!
There are certainly other ingredients you can add if you choose, such as Peppers. You can take away ingredients as well. That is what is fantastic about Pasta Salad. The ingredients are your preference. However, I’ve noticed that the above ingredients seem to go well with each other.
While this dish can be made anytime, it always seems to taste best in the warmer weather with BBQ’s. I make this dish for BBQ’s and parties, and it’s always a hit! And this time of year? There are graduation parties in abundance. I have my niece’s party next month that I’ll be making this for. There will be 70 people there! So, the above ingredients will be multiplied 4 to 5 times! Should be fun right?
Do you have any parties or BBQ’s coming up? Heck, even potlucks at work, this will be a hit. What is your specialized dish that everyone expects from you?
Love pasta salad. I have to try this recipe. I also love using bowties, tossing them with pesto, chunks of fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese and grape tomatoes. yum. I might eat this for breakfast!
Trish, love bowtie pasta! They make it fun
May have to try yours sometime as well!
Cold pasta salads are perfect for the hot summer months. We make a macaroni salad with mayo and it’s a hit.