Festive Summer Pasta Salad©

Festive Summer Pasta Salad©

In the sweltering heat of summer, eating light is the way to go. This Festive Summer Pasta Salad© is so easy to put together and you can use your favorite veggies. Here is my recipe. The beautiful colors of the veggies and the tri-color rotini makes it look festive hence the name, and is the perfect summer salad to enjoy at your next BBQ or party. I hope you try it. It is really delicious and good for you too...

Festive Summer Pasta Salad©

In a large pot boil water, add coarse salt and Tri-Color Rotini Pasta (I use Barilla).

Cook until 1 minute shy of al dente (check your package for cooking time directions).

Drain and put aside to cool or soak in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.

Cooked Tri-Color Rotini

Rinse veggies in cold water and dry with a paper towel.

Thinly slice 1/2 red onion if it's a huge one or 1 medium size.

Thinly slice 1 yellow pepper.

Thinly slice 1 orange pepper.

Take 1 bunch of broccoli florets and slice each in half.

Stir the veggies together and season them with coarse salt and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.

In a large pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and when it is hot add the veggies and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

Put aside until they cool.

Sautéed Veggies

Take 1 large tomato and chop it in chunks.

Take a large bowl and toss the sautéed veggies with the tri-color pasta.

Add the tomato chunks and stir again.

Measure 1/2 cup of Light Italian Dressing and add to veggies and pasta.

Stir until combined.

You can add a little more dressing if needed. Start with this amount and taste it first. This was the perfect amount for me.

Remember adding too much dressing will overpower and make the pasta salad a soggy mess.

Chill for 2-3 hours, serve and enjoy!

-Sophia/Two Frys