Save the Day Pasta Salad

Experts agree that finding time to eat dinner together as a family has a host of benefits that go far beyond nutrition. But who has time to cook a hot meal every night? To say my life is busy would be an understatement. I’m always looking for ways to be more efficient, while still meeting my family’s needs and handling everything else that needs to be done. An hour cooking followed by a half hour cleaning the kitchen every day of the week?! Forget about it!

Meet my friend, the cold pasta salad! It can be made in the morning or the night before. It is a meal in and of itself. Just grab a loaf of french bread to serve on the side and you’re set! The ingredients and pasta shapes can be changed and swapped, so it doesn’t become mundane. Below are the ingredients my family enjoys. Maybe yours will, too!

Cooked and chilled pasta (choose 1)
Rotini
Rigatoni
Farfalle
Penne
Fusilli
Cheese-filled tortellini

Stir-ins (choose 3 or 4)
Diced fresh garlic
Cubed mozzarella
Parmesan cheese
Sun dried tomatoes
Fresh diced tomatoes
Cherry or grape tomatoes
Lightly steamed fresh zucchini
Lightly steamed fresh broccoli
Lightly steamed fresh asparagus
Artichoke hearts
Black olives
Fresh basil
Cooked sausage (I’m partial to Aidells Cajun style)

Dressing (choose 1)
Olive oil (simmer with garlic and shallots)
Italian salad dressing

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