Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 package Interesting pasta, cooked
• 2/3 cup Italian salad dressing
• 1 Tbs Dijonnaise mustard
• 1/4 cup Chopped onion
• 1/4 cup Chopped celery
• 1 small Carrot, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the Italian salad dressing, Dijonnaise mustard, chopped onion, chopped celery, and diced carrot.
3. Season the dressing mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
4. Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the dressing mixture in the bowl.
5. Mix all the ingredients together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
6. For added flavor, you can include a little parsley and basil to taste. Fresh herbs can provide a delightful aroma and taste to the pasta salad.
7. Once all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
8. Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. You can also taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Serve the chilled pasta salad as a refreshing side dish or a light meal on its own.

Note: The term “Interesting pasta” refers to any unique or intriguing pasta shapes that catch your eye. You can use a variety of pasta shapes like bowties, spirals, penne, or farfalle to make the salad visually appealing and fun to eat. Additionally, you can add more vegetables or other toppings like cherry tomatoes, olives, or cheese to further customize the salad to your liking.

Here are some variations of the pasta salad recipe:

1. Mediterranean Pasta Salad:

• Add diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the pasta salad.
• Toss with a Greek vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and black pepper.

2. Caprese Pasta Salad:

• Combine the cooked pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), and torn basil leaves.
• Drizzle with a balsamic glaze or a mixture of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

3. Southwest Pasta Salad:

• Mix in black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and sliced avocado to the pasta salad.
• Dress with a tangy cilantro-lime vinaigrette made with lime juice, cilantro, garlic, honey, and cumin.

4. Pesto Pasta Salad:

• Stir in homemade or store-bought pesto sauce into the pasta salad.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

5. Asian Noodle Salad:

• Use Asian-style noodles like soba or rice noodles instead of regular pasta.
• Mix in shredded carrots, sliced snow peas, and chopped green onions.
• Toss with a sesame ginger dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and honey.

6. Caesar Pasta Salad:

• Add chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta salad.
• Toss with a Caesar dressing made with mayonnaise, anchovy paste, garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.

7. Tex-Mex Pasta Salad:

• Combine the pasta with black beans, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, and corn.
• Dress with a spicy chipotle-lime dressing made with chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, honey, and cumin.

8. Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad:

• Mix in a variety of Italian deli meats such as salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto, along with marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and provolone cheese.
• Toss with a red wine vinaigrette dressing.