Servings: 2

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup Snow Peas, trimmed
• 2 cups Pasta, cooked
• 2 cups Fresh Vegetables, sliced (e.g., bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, etc.)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil, chopped
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup of your favorite Salad Dressing

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the snow peas to the boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes or until they are crisp-tender.
3. Drain the snow peas and rinse them under cold water until they are cool.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked snow peas, pasta, sliced fresh vegetables, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
5. Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste.
6. Toss the salad with 1/3 cup of your favorite salad dressing, making sure all the ingredients are well coated.
7. Let the salad marinate for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend together.

VARIATIONS OF PASTA SALAD:

1. Mediterranean Pasta Salad:
   • Add diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, and red onions to the pasta.
   • Toss with a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Mexican Pasta Salad:
   • Mix in black beans, corn kernels, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and avocado chunks.
   • Dress the salad with a tangy lime-cilantro dressing made from lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, honey, and a touch of cumin.
3. Caprese Pasta Salad:
   • Combine cooked pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and torn basil leaves.
   • Drizzle with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Asian Sesame Pasta Salad:
   • Add shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and chopped scallions to the pasta.
   • Prepare a dressing using soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced ginger, and garlic.
5. Greek Pasta Salad:
   • Mix in chopped cucumber, Kalamata olives, diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
   • Toss with a dressing made from red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad:
   • Add cooked and shredded chicken breast to the pasta.
   • Drizzle with a blend of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, and garnish with chopped celery and blue cheese crumbles.
7. Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad:
   • Roast an assortment of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes.
   • Toss the pasta with the roasted vegetables, fresh basil, and a balsamic glaze.
8. Tuna Pasta Salad:
   • Mix in canned tuna, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
   • Dress with a combination of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
9. Southwest Pasta Salad:
   • Add black beans, diced avocado, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro to the pasta.
   • Drizzle with a lime-cumin dressing made from lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, olive oil, and honey.
10. Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad:
    • Combine the pasta with marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, pepperoni or salami, and provolone cheese cubes.
    • Toss with an Italian dressing made from red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, and basil.
11. Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad:
    • Add grilled or roasted chicken pieces to the pasta.
    • Toss with homemade or store-bought basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella pearls.
12. Curried Pasta Salad:
    • Mix in cooked and shredded chicken, raisins, diced apples, and chopped celery.
    • Dress with a creamy curry dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.