Let’s face it: When we think of pasta, we think of tomato sauce! But pasta can be so much more!!
Here a pasta salad recipe that lets you have it YOUR way.
Pasta salad is wonderful for summer meals – fast, nutritious, and satisfying!
PASTA SALAD: YOUR WAY
Boil your water first (add a pinch of salt). When you measure for the water make sure the pot is full so it more than covers the dry pasta (pasta should be able to move around when boiling). When the water is at a rolling boil, add your pasta. Boil 6-10 minutes – it should be al dente – (“to the tooth”) – which means firm, not mushy. Drain well and let it cool before adding your ingredients.
Add: (these are just suggestions – do your thing!)
- Raw veggies: peppers, onions, a selection of olives, celery, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, zucchini…
- Roasted veggies: roast onions, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers – even potatoes. Adds deep flavor.
- Canned veggies: corn, peas, beans (green beans, black beans, pintos – the more the better!
- Nuts: walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts are wonderful choices!
- Cheese: mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, Swiss – yes, please!
- Protein: cold cuts (ham, salami, turkey), canned tuna or chicken, or even cooked hamburger or hotdogs can make your pasta salad a BBQ treat! Or add hard-boiled eggs.
- Dressing: Your choice! Or…
- Go Italian: Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, parsley, oregano – and garlic! – all to taste. Let it marinate over the pasta for a few minutes. Works well with onion, tomatoes, cucumber and green beans. Yum!
