My Mom makes a version of this with broccoli, carrots and sometimes cheese tortellini. You can pretty much add whatever ingredients you want. It's a great dish for a hot summer day. It tastes even better once it sits overnight.
Easy Summer Pasta:
- 1 box Tri-color pasta, cooked and drained.
- 1 small package of inexpensive ham lunch meat, sliced into cubes.
- 1-2 cups cubed cheese. I used colby & extra sharp white. (I bought the bricks & cubed the cheese myself).
- 1 container of baby tomatoes. (I always halve my baby tomatoes).
- 1 small onion, diced.
- 1 can of mushrooms, drained.
- 1 small bottle of Italian Dressing.
- Parmesan cheese in a jar.
- Salt & Pepper to taste.
After combining all of your ingredients in a large bowl, coat pasta salad with a small bottle of Italian dressing. (As much or as little as you like. If it sits in the fridge overnight the pasta absorbs the dressing, so you may need more dressing before serving). Shake a good amount of Parmesan cheese on top of the salad and a few dashes of salt & pepper. Stir until everything is coated. Serve cold. Makes enough for leftovers.
