1  | 

I found this helpful Thank You! Your vote will be tallied soon!

Pasta salad is one of my favorite summertime meals. The versatility is never ending so it's always new, but always easy. Add a loaf of crusty bread and fresh lemonade or iced tea and you have a terrific beat-the-heat dinner.

Making pasta salad is so simple and this formula will help you on your way to being a pasta salad expert.

8 oz uncooked pasta-any shape or type
4 cups veggies, meat or cheese-diced or shredded as desired
2 cups salad dressing

Cook the pasta until done to desired tenderness and drain well. Al dente is best since soaking in dressing can cause the pasta to become mushy. Cool completely. Toss with  veggies, meat or cheese and dressing. Chill for an hour before serving. There are some salads that need a bit more or less dressing, but if you do it often enough, you can get a good idea what is needed beforehand.

These combinations are delicious, but don't be afraid to experiment and come up with your very own signature pasta salad!

Santa Fe

medium shells pasta
black beans
corn kernels
diced red pepper
cubed Monterey Jack cheese
grilled chicken breasts-cubed
chili lime dressing

Mediterranean

penne pasta
garbanzo beans
Feta cheese
diced cucumber
black olives
diced tomato
balsamic vinaigrette
fresh oregano and red onion garnish

Italian

rotini pasta
diced salami or pepperoni
diced mozzarella cheese
diced plum tomato
halved black olives
diced green peppers
cannelini beans
Italian dressing
Parmesan cheese garnish

Ranch Turkey

macaroni pasta
cubed turkey breast
cubed cheddar cheese
peas
shredded carrot
Ranch dressing
bacon bits garnish