Enjoy this quick salad in less than 30 minutes.
Personalized Pasta Salad
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked pasta, such as macaroni or rotini
½ cup salad dressing
2 cups cooked, cubed protein (see Notes)
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 medium bell pepper (any color), cut in 1-inch pieces
½ medium red onion, diced
1 can (4 ounces) sliced black olives
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
- Measure 6 cups of water into a large sauce pan.
- Bring water to a boil over high heat and add pasta. Cook until tender (about 8 to 10 minutes), stirring occasionally. Drain. Rinse with cold water to cool quickly. Drain well.
- Add dressing to pasta and toss lightly.
- Add protein and vegetables and toss again.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
- Try cooked beans, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, tuna, salmon, turkey, shrimp, or hard-boiled egg for the chicken.
- Try Food Hero's Red Wine Vinaigrette for your salad dressing.
You might also like...
Butternut Squash and Chile Pan-Fry
Butternut Squash and Chile Pan-Fry
This simple and tasty recipe using butternut squash will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy as a side or a filling for quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas or tamales.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
Sesame Turnips and Carrots
Sesame Turnips and Carrots
Hearty root vegetables with a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Slow Cooker Beans
Slow Cooker Beans
Making beans in the slow cooker is easy and can save you money. Season them the way you like and make enough to freeze for more easy meals.
Prepare:
5 minutes + 6 hours soaking
Cook:
4 to 6 hours
Makes:
6 cups
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Overnight Oats for One
Overnight Oats for One
Quick and easy make-ahead breakfast recipe for one person. Change it up with your favorite yogurt and fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 serving
Fruit Yogurt Popsicles
Fruit Yogurt Popsicles
Make a quick and tasty frozen treat that kids of all ages will love!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
9 popsicles

Comments
I thought this would be a great summer lunch recipe. I personalized it a little more and added canned artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, and green onions. I used a balsamic vinegarette dressing and topped it with a little more balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for added flavor. I used store-bought rotisserie chicken, which made this a quick and easy recipe. So flavorful, simple, and quick!
I used this recipe at an after school program and I had the kids choose their own add ins to the pasta so it was truly personalized. They loved it!