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...
Roasted Radishes with Peas

Roasted Radishes with Peas
Mild, slightly sweet, roasted radishes paired with bright and creamy peas, dill and lemon make the perfect side to any meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Three Sisters Soup

Three Sisters Soup
Warm and comforting easy-to-make soup with squash, beans and a savory broth.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Fruit Shake 2 (with milk and yogurt)

Fruit Shake 2 (with milk and yogurt)
A delicious homemade fruit-flavored shake for breakfast, snack or on-the-go!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Soulful Seasoning

Soulful Seasoning
Comforting flavors of garlic, onion and thyme, with spicy red pepper and smoky paprika make this a versatile seasoning for veggies, meats, rice, tofu and soups.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
10 Tablespoons
Mashed Turnips and Potatoes

Mashed Turnips and Potatoes
A creamy blend of root vegetables mashed and flavored with sour cream and garlic.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Soup
A simple soup with black beans, tomatoes, herbs and a hint of lime. One-pot meal ready in an hour!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 cups
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!