[ the perfect pasta salad ]

LOOKING for the perfect pasta salad recipe? I think this is it! Some pasta salads are so bland, especially after refrigerating {why is that?} but this one really seems to keep its flavour. You can leave it plain, or add diced chicken, bits of cooked bacon or tuna like I did here...

lisa's perfect pasta salad

what you need:

2 1/2 cups uncooked shell or spiral pasta

1 small carrot, diced small

1/4 cup diced green pepper or cucumber

1/4 cup diced celery

1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 hard cooked egg, chopped {optional}

3/4 cup fresh broccoli florets {optional}

dressing:

1/2 cup light Hellmans mayo

1/4 cup prepared ranch salad dressing

3 tbsp milk

1 tbsp dried minced onion

1/2 tsp seasoned salt

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp dried parsley flakes

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp yellow mustard

how to:

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse in cold water.

In a large bowl, combine pasta, veggies, cheese {and egg if using}. 

In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients; pour over top and toss to coat. Stir in chicken, bacon or tuna if desired.

yum!

Oh! And my favourite tuna to use...

...super flavourful with the added benefit of olive oil which I probably don't get enough of in my diet.

lisa