There are many different types of pasta salads, and I like making as many as possible. Pasta salad can be a snack, a side dish, and sometimes a meal. It seems like every time I make it, I use different ingredients. Here’s my basic pasta salad recipe that’s perfect for potlucks and other events.

Ingredients

Block of Colby cheese or mild cheddar cheese

Tri-color rotini cooked al dente

Genoa salami cut into chunks

Red onion

Grape tomatoes

Black olives

Wishbone Italian dressing

Olive oil

Red Wine vinegar

Seasonings: sea salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, basil, oregano, parsley

***You can play around with the ingredients to make the pasta salad fit your needs or use what you have in your cabinet. I like to add artichoke hearts, cucumbers, green or red peppers. It just depends on what I have on hand.

Instructions

*The key to making sure your pasta salad is well seasoned is to season in layers. I put the pasta in a bowl and add my seasonings, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and Italian dressing. Toss and blend. This way I know the pasta will not be bland.

*Next, I add the tomatoes, black olives, cheese, red onion, and salami. Pour in more red wine vinegar, olive oil, and the Italian dressing. Add seasonings and I mean add seasonings. This is the key…season thoroughly. Put the pasta in the fridge and serve when chilled.

Looks good and tastes good.

When I feel a little more adventurous I like to make tortellini pasta salad. Here’s my recipe Tasty Tortellini Pasta Salad. If you try either of these recipes, let me know. Please also tell me your favorite pasta salad recipes.

Stay Blessed,

Barbie