This recipe is for an easy and delicious pasta salad for any meal. Great for summer side dish for a BBQ. Light and tasty this pasta salad is delicious! I double this recipe so that we have pasta salad available for a quick snack over the next few days.
Ingredients for Pasta Salad:
1 Lb box of Rotini pasta (I use the multi-colored because it adds color)
1/2 Cup real mayonnaise
1 16 Oz container of 1 can of grape tomatoes
1/2 Cup your favorite Italian dressing (We like the Olive Garden brand)
2 Tablespoons of Parmesan cheese
1/2 Teaspoon of salt, for pasta water
1/2 Teaspoon pepper
Kitchen utensils needed:
Large pot to boil water in
Spatula for mixing
Measuring cups
Strainer (for pasta)
Paring knife
Prepare the pasta:
Preparation time: about 20 minutes
Fill pot with water
Add one teaspoon of salt to the water
Cover and turn stove burner on high
Once the water is a roiling boil, cook pasta according to the directions on the box (al dente)
After the pasta is done, drain in strainer
Let pasta drain in the strainer for
While the pasta is cooking:
Rinse the grape tomatoes under cold water
Slice the tomatoes in half
Prepare the rest of the ingredients
Mix your pasta salad:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Pour the pasta back into the pot
Pour in the Italian Dressing and the sliced tomatoes
Mix together using your spatula
Add in the mayonnaise and mix well
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and pepper over the top and mix well
Scoop the pasta salad into a container with a lid and place in the fridge for 4-5 hours
Prior to Serving:
Take the pasta salad out of the fridge and mix well, if needed add additional Italian dressing or mayonnaise.
Enjoy!
Important Information For You:
Add some additional flavors with some chopped black or green olives, pepperoni, pepperoncini’s, or ham bites.
My family even likes this when the pasta is fresh made and still warm, however, the flavors really settle in once the pasta salad has been in the fridge for 4-5 hours.