Sunday, July 22, 2007

Potluck Pasta Salad

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originally from "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine

12 servings

4 ounces wagon wheel macaroni or desired pasta, 1 1/3 cup
4 ounces tri-colored corkscrew macaroni or desired pasta
1 teaspoon dried red peppers, crushed
1 medium sweet red pepper, cut into thin strips
1 medium yellow squash, halved, sliced lengthwise (and/or zucchini)
10 ounces frozen peas, thawed or 1 1/2 cups fresh peas, cooked and cooled
6 ounces black olives, pitted, drained
4 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, cubed
1 cup unblanched whole almonds, toasted
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, snipped or oregano or basil or dill
8 ounces Italian salad dressing

Cook pasta according to package directions except add crushed red pepper to the cooking water.
Rinse with cool water and drain thoroughly.

Cool pasta to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl combine pasta, sweet red pepper, yellow squash or zucchini, peas, olives, cheese, almonds, green onions and herb.

Add dressing to pasta mixture. Toss gently to mix.

Cover and chill for 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

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