Conners Birthday Pasta Salad Recipes

COLORFUL PARTY PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• 1. To make dressing: In a large glass jar or bottle with a lid, add whole garlic, bay leaf, & rosemary sprig. Add extra virgin olive oil & red wine vinegar. Add all remaining seasonings. Place lid on jar and shake gently to mix well. (Taste dressing & add adjust seasonings to your taste.) Refrigerate any unused dressing. NOTE: Dressing is best if left to sit 24 hours before use. This allows the garlic & rosemary to infuse into the oil & vinegar. Homemade is best, but you can use your favorite Italian dressing as well.
• 2. Prepare pasta according to directions, drain, cool, & drizzle with a small amount of EVOO & set aside. NOTE: Pasta salad is very versatile, & if it's a last minute request, I make with what I have on hand. I always have fresh vegetables in my fridge, & ingredients for Italian dressing. If I don't have red or yellow peppers, I use extra green peppers. Sometimes I add celery too. It really just depends on what I have on hand. But the recipe herein is by far my favorite way to prepare this wonderful salad!
• 3. Chop all vegetables & add to pasta, mix in well.
• 4. Dice pepperoni & cheeses; add to pasta and vegetables. Fold in. Add fresh seasonings to taste.
• 5. Add Italian dressing & stir well. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving. Best if made the day beforehand.
• 6. Stir well and add fresh grated Romano cheese just before serving.