Hello Friends!
Today I want to share with you this recipe for a pasta salad that is so easy to make….but yet not too runny, gloppy, saucy, soupy, or soggy.
Yes. It’s true. It can be done!
We are in the middle of a heat wave in our city, so I have been avoiding the stove like mad.
I have been making cool salads and other low cook dishes for us to enjoy.
I started making this pasta salad a few years ago when those creamy mayo and condensed milk-type salads were not getting eaten at my house because people found them too `runny and yucky`.
So I developed this easy recipe and now happy tummies are restored!
The base for this salad is olive oil…great for your heart…and pasta salad too!
{It’s also a much better choice for potlucks and picnics because of the food poisoning factor with mayo.}
{It’s also a much better choice for potlucks and picnics because of the food poisoning factor with mayo.}
Directions:
Cook a big bowl of your favourite pasta to al dente. We like rotini.
When pasta is cooked and cooled, add enough olive oil so that pasta is lightly coated….approximately 2-3 tablespoons.
Then add a generous tablespoon of your favourite spice mixture. It can be Italian, Greek or whatever your family likes.
I used Greek Spice for this salad.
Add some salt & pepper, and crushed garlic if you like.
Add some salt & pepper, and crushed garlic if you like.
Then add 1-2 cups of your favourite crunchy vegetables…diced.
I used red pepper, yellow pepper, orange pepper, grape tomatoes, zucchini and red onion.
I also added some fresh torn basil, but you could use whatever fresh herb you like.{dill would be good!}
Then add a generous cup of diced feta cheese, or fresh mozzarella, or bocconcini.
{or leave cheese out if you prefer.}
{or leave cheese out if you prefer.}
Stir everything together gently.
Now taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Now taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve, or cover and refrigerate.
Now you have a delicious pasta salad with healthy ingredients including olive oil, garlic, vegetables and cheese.
This salad makes a great lunch to take to work, a potluck dish or a cool evening dinner.
And it lasts in the fridge for 3 days.
My daughter and husband also like to add a little more dressing when they eat this salad sometimes.
My daughter likes it with creamy caesar dressing and my husband likes it with some Greek salad dressing….which is the great thing about this salad…you can make it your own by adding whatever mix- ins you like!
You could also also sliced prosciutto, diced chicken, chick peas or whatever melts your butter!
Have a wonderful day and stay cool!
If you liked this recipe, here are some other amazing camping recipes:
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12
Pinning it now! I've been on the lookout for recipes for a hot weather birthday party and this one won't spoil in the sun!
Jessica
stayathomeista.com
Looks and sounds like a nice refreshing summer salad, thanks Angie!
This definitely sounds like a salad we would enjoy. I like that it can be completely customized for each person's tastes.
We're experiencing a temporary break from the heat wave but I'm sure it will be short-lived. It's been a very salad-y July so far!
Stay cool, Angie!
– Claire 🙂
Looks yummy! It's really true that when the temperatures rise, I only want to eat light, cool, salad type foods. I'll try this one this week and see what my people think!
I was just thinking of doing a pasta salad. So summery. Looks delicious.
We are finally getting some heat here. This salad sounds perfect!
Looks good. We are having a heat wave this week and are eating a lot of salads. I love all of the wonderful recipes you post!
Agree with your family, those mayo pasta salads are yucky, too… 80s?
I'd take your salad over the other one any day.
I've been of the blogging for a while but have peeked in here every now and then. I admire your energy.
Please don't post anything like those scones again!
They make me wanna be naughty when I'm trying to fit into a swimsuit by the end of summer.
Annelie
It looks delicious and that picture of the crumbled cheese waiting to be stirred in sold me!
looks delicious, I'm in Alberta too so feeling that heat as well, will have to try it out
This looks so yummy! I'm having a bbq this weekend, this recipe is totally on my to do list now! We just posted a post about how to make coca cola cupcakes, they are REALLY good! Give it a shot and let us know what you think (how2home.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/how-to-coca-cola-cupcakes/)
Yummy! And so good for you too — I pinned this to my recipe board. It's been hot here too although has 'cooled' down to upper 80's this week.
That looks… DELICIOUS! I am going to make this.. Thank you for sharing this with us 🙂
Robyn
Great summer salad for hot days, healthy too. That's very similiar to one I found in a magazine. It had pasta, corn and tomotoes, little green onions, maybe some red pepper. They all look so good, healthy, cool and appetizing. We need that now. Glad you shared.
LOVE the look and the sound of this recipe!! It does look like that best pasta salad EVER!!!!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Oh my! This looks delish!
Make sure you stop by and share this at my Flaunt It Friday link party.
Can't wait to see more posts.
http://www.blissfulbucketlist.com/2012/07/flaunt-it-friday-4_12.html
Sarah@
http://www.blissfulbucketlist.com
This is one of those "now why didn't I think of that" posts. Perfect! Thanks.
love salads like this thanks for sharing plan on trying it soon come see what we shared at http://shopannies.blogspot.com/2012/07/stuffed-cabbage-rolls.html
Looks delicious! I was looking for a pasta salad recipe to make this weekend and this one will be it!
The subject of this week's Food on Friday is Salad. It would be great if you linked this in. This is the link . I found this through Chef in Training
Definitely going to try this!
Love how you broke this out so everyone can add their own little touch. I see you've linked to a lot of parties, but you might also want to join Seasonal Sundays as it's a bit different. It's about all things seasonal. Hope to see you then. The link opens at 7 pm on Saturday evening.
– The Tablescaper
and now I'm hungry….. 🙂
this looks yummmyyy!
Lior
Thanks for sharing, perfect for hot summer days! We would love for you to share at our new Super Summer Saturday party here: http://www.thechirpingmoms.com/2013/06/super-summer-saturday.html
Thanks!
Julie