Simple Crowd Pleasing Pasta Salad

Hi friends!  I hope that you are well!  I think that we are finally turning a corner with health!  My doctor said that she didn't think that cold and flu season would last into March and I'm really hopeful that we will be done with it.

Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite potluck items.  This SUPER easy pasta salad is always a hit when I bring it to parties!  I also use it as a simple side dish especially in the summer when you want something cool.  This is also a great way to use whatever you have on hand.

Pasta Salad:
1 bag of rotini
Italian Dressing (regular)
Parmesan Cheese

Add Ins (pick which ones you like OR use up what's in your fridge!)
Celery
Cucumber
Tomatoes
Grated Carrot
Olives
String Cheese
Salami
Spinach

1. Boil pasta according to directions.  I like to use salt in my pasta water.
2. Drain off your cooked pasta and rinse with cold water until your pasta is no longer warm.  Since this is a salad, you don't want your pasta to keep cooking.  I cook it to the exact consistency I like and then do the cold water so it doesn't cook anymore as it stands.  Also, it gives the salad a head start on cooling.
3. Dress pasta with Italian Dressing.  Light and non fat dressings don't have oil which isn't great for this since you need a little oil to keep the pasta from sticking.  If you use light or nonfat dressing, add a little olive oil.
4. Sprinkle with parmesan.  You can use fresh or the grated kind in a can.
5. Chop and add your "add ins."  I always put celery for crunch but other than that, I use what is in season or what we need to use up in the fridge.  Adding string cheese (cut into rounds) and salami is a great way to bulk up this salad and make it more of a main dish.
6. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.  This gives the flavors time to merry.
7.  Give it a nice toss and serve.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!  If you make it, please let me know how you like it!