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bonnie's ultimate pasta potluck salad

(2 ratings)
ReikiHealsTheSoul avatar
Recipe by
BonniE !
@ReikiHealsTheSoul
Cottonwood, CA

This is the Ultimate Pasta Potluck Salad. While there is a bit of prep work to this dish, it is well worth the effort. I always bring copies of this recipe when I take this dish to a barbecue. The flavor is outstanding! Enjoy! Photo from free site, recipe by a cook named Nancy.

(2 ratings)
yield 12 serving(s)
prep time 30 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For bonnie's ultimate pasta potluck salad

  • 4
    ounces wagon wheel macaroni or desired pasta (1 1/3 cups)
  • 4
    ounces tri-colored corkscrew macaroni or desired pasta
  • 1
    teaspoon crushed dried red pepper
  • 1
    medium red sweet bell pepper
  • 1
    medium yellow squash or zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
  • 1
    10 ounce package frozen peas thawed
  • 1
    6 ounce can pitted black olives, drained
  • 4
    ounces smoked cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 1
    cup unblanched whole almonds, toasted
  • 1/2
    cup sliced green onions
  • 2
    tablespoons snipped fresh tarragon, oregano or dill (i use tarragon)
  • 1
    8 ounce bottle regular or fat free italian dressing. i use fat free caesar dressing

How To Make bonnie's ultimate pasta potluck salad

  • 1
    Cook the pasta according to package directions except add crushed red pepper to the cooking water. Rinse with cool water and drain thoroughly. Cool pasta to room temperature.
  • 2
    In a large mixing bowl combine pasta, sweet pepper, yellow squash or zucchini, peas, olives, cheese, almonds, green onions, and tarragon.
  • 3
    Add dressing to pasta mixture; toss gently to mix. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
  • 4
    Cook's tip: Be sure not to substitute the smoked cheddar cheese; it is crucial to the flavor of the dish. Optional: Add chopped avocado just before serving. Enjoy!
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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