Summer Time Pasta Salad
with homemade dressing
Hey hey! We are quickly creeping up on summer and that brings on more bbq's and other outdoor gatherings which usually involve quite a bit of great summer time grub. It's the time of year for burgers and dogs, bbq chicken, and anything else you can throw on the grill.
Well, to go along with all the delicious bbq food I have an equally delicious pasta salad that is full of fresh veggies and a simple light dressing. I also used whole pasta to make it even healthier, but feel free to use whichever pasta you like best.
The recipe for this dressing is simply delicious and great for a garden salad as well. It's also great to make your own dressing at home because you control the ingredients and avoid added sugars, salts, and preservatives. This will last you up to 90 days in the refrigerator so make a big batch and enjoy! (This recipe is more than enough for one batch of pasta salad)
Happy Almost Summer!!
Summer Time Pasta Salad
Ingredients- 1 box of whole wheat penne
- 2 bell peppers, which ever colors you prefer
- 1 medium tomato
- 1 cucumber
- 4-5 oz extra sharp white cheddar,
- 1 batch of homemade Italian dressing, recipe follows
Italian Dressing
- 1 cup red wine vinegar (or whichever you prefer)
- 1 1/3 cup olive or canola oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
To make the dressing
Place all ingredients in a large bowl and which until fully combined.
OR
Pour ingredients into large bottle and shake until combined.
Directions
- Prepare penne as box instructs.
- While pasta is cooking, chop the vegetables and cheese into small like size pieces.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain and toss with vegetables and cheese, in a large bowl.
- Pour about 1/2 of the dressing and stir.
- Taste and add enough to your liking.
- Enjoy!
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