Saturday, June 23, 2012

How to Make a Cold Pasta Salad {Recipe}

 Simple Cold Pasta Salad

When it's HOT outside, the best thing for dinner is something cool!  I live in the desert so I know what I'm talking about when it comes to HOT Summer Days!  I've shared this recipe with you before but since I have so many new followers, and I was inspired by my Farmers Market Today, I am sharing it again.


So when life gives you these colorful peppers...


and heirloom cherry tomatoes...


The simplest thing to do is to mix it all up into a colorful and tasty Cold Pasta Salad!

I simply cooked, and then cooled, a box of spiral pasta and then added my cold chopped vegetables.  This is what I had on hand today.  Yellow, Orange, Red, and Green Bell Peppers.  You could use whatever vegetables you happen to have.   A mixed variety of Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes.  One bunch of skinny Green Onions.  I stirred up a batch of Good Seasons Italian Dressing  and tossed it all together!


Simple, colorful, tasty, and cool.  Just what we needed on this HOT Summer Day!  You could also try my famous Chinese Noodle Salad that I shared last year.  I'll be sharing more of my favorite salads with you this Summer, so stay tuned!

Oh, and tell me again, "What is your favorite Summer Salad?"  I really want to know!



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14 comments:

  1. Jill WellingtonJuly 6, 2011 at 4:52 AM

    Yum! I love the colorful peppers. Never thought to put them in a pasta salad. I'm gonna try this.

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  2. megJuly 6, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    YUMMMMM!!!!! I always forget how much I love pasta salad! This one has great, simple ingredients too! A fave of mine is similar to this one with a few more ingredients like shredded cheese, cucumber, maybe some black olives, and I use Bernstein's Italian dressing.

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  3. Sonia ValdezJuly 7, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    So simple and easy. I'm going to have to make a recipe card with this one - It's so easy I would probably forget it LOL

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  4. Wendys HatJuly 9, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Thanks ladies! I love that it is simple and tasty too! @Megan - Yum!

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  5. The Little Red ShopJune 23, 2012 at 1:55 AM

    I do love a yummy clean AND colorful pasta salad, Wendy! : )

    Happy Summer!!!

    Julie M.

    ps It's raining.

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    1. Wendys HatJune 23, 2012 at 10:29 AM

      Thanks! Lucky you to have some rain! Enjoy it for me today.

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  6. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️June 23, 2012 at 5:14 AM

    Hi Wendy,

    I love pasta salads without mayo. This looks yummy!!!

    Thanks!

    Dee

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    1. Wendys HatJune 23, 2012 at 10:30 AM

      Thanks. I think that's what makes it so fresh and cool, is the light dressing.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousJune 24, 2012 at 3:45 PM

    I like fresh basil, english cucumbers, olives (greek or black) a little pepperoni on the side for the
    meat eaters also artichoke hearts!!! Thanks for reminding me!!!! Your mama!!

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    Replies
    1. Wendys HatJune 24, 2012 at 11:15 PM

      Thanks Mom! I crave your salads in the Summer too.

      Delete
  8. CamilleJune 26, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    I can't for the life of me make a good pasta salad. I think I add too much and need to keep it simple like this! But my fave summer salad is Greek -- tomatoes, onions, black olives and cucumbers with olive oil, salt and pepper, and vinegar. Yum!

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  9. Wendys HatJune 26, 2012 at 2:34 PM

    I think the tip for a great simple cold salad is a great tasting dressing, like the one I use, and not over cooking the noodles. Cook, drain and rinse the in cold water immediately. This keeps them from getting mushy. Sometimes full salads are good but in the hot Summer it seems that keeping your ingredient list simple is key too. That Greek Salad sounds great Camille and thanks for your comment!

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  10. Brandie @ Home Cooking MemoriesJuly 2, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    I love colorful (and healthy) dishes! Looks great, Wendy!

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