Summer Pasta Salad

I must admit, side dishes are not my thing.  If I am assigned to bring a side dish to a potluck, barbecue, or picnic, I panic, I just don't have many go to recipes that I know will always be a hit.  My sister-in-law, Stacy brought this salad to a family barbecue a couple years ago and I was sold on the first bite.  It is so good.  It is now my go to salad for summer time get-togethers.  You must try it!  This recipe makes a lot, so scale it down if making it for a smaller gathering.

Summer Pasta Salad

From: Stacy Hansen

Yields: 30 servings

Time: 30 minutes

Print Recipe

1 16 oz bow tie pasta
3 cups grapes, havled or quartered
3 chicken breasts cooked and diced
1 bunch of green onions, chopped
2 20 oz cans of pineapple chunks, drained
3 celery stalks, diced
1 cup cashews
2 11 oz can mandarin oranges, drained

Dressing:
1 cup mayo
8oz kraft coleslaw salad dressing

Cook pasta according to package directions for al-dente. Rinse pasta in cold water. Mix all salad ingredients in a large bowl.  Mix together mayo and dressing until smooth, pour over salad and mix well.  Chill until serving.

BLT Pasta Salad

Last month I ran the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay! Click here to find out what that is, if you don't already know, this video is very funny! Anyway, It was really fun and also very exhausting.  I am doing it again next year!  I may be a little crazy, but that is okay, it will be fun!  I made this pasta salad to take with me on the trip.  I thought the carbs from the pasta would be a good way to get some energy for all my runs.  I didn't realize that it would taste so good and turn into my new favorite pasta salad.  I have made this salad three more times to take to potlucks and picnics and it is always a hit. Very simple to throw together and it can be made ahead of time if you need to or serve it right away.

BLT Pasta Salad
Adapted from: myrecipes.com
Yields: 4-6 servings
Time: 25 minutes
Print Recipe

8oz penne pasta
1/4 C olive oil
2 T finely chopped red onion
2 T red wine vinegar
1 t dijon mustard
1/2 t salt
10 strips cooked bacon (I used the precooked kind crisped in the microwave)
1 (7oz) bag spinach leaves
2 C cherry tomatoes, cut in to quarters
1/3 C grated parmesan cheese

Cook pasta al-dente according to package directions.  Drain, then rinse with cold water until it is cool. Transfer to a large salad bowl. Add oil, onion, vinegar, mustard, and salt, then toss well.

Cut bacon into 1 inch pieces, add to pasta with spinach, tomatoes, and cheese.  Toss well and serve immediately or store in the fridge.