Skip to main content

Italian Pasta Salad

There is nothing fancy about this salad, but considering the fact that I've been making it for the last 18 years, it's a keeper.  I love it because it comes together quickly, it's customizable, meets my criteria for a one dish dinner (protein, fiber, and veggies), and everyone in the family will eat it without complaint! This pasta is perfect for a make ahead dish for those nights that you know there isn't going to be much time to make dinner but you still want something healthy and satisfying.  I'm writing this they way I typically make it, but you could totally add in some other veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, raw broccoli, etc.  You can even use a different type of pasta.  I like to use the Ronzoni Garden Delight Veggie though because it actually contains a 1/2 serving of veggies per serving!




Ingredients:

1 box Ronzoni Garden Delight Veggie pasta

1 can olives, drained

1 can black or white beans, rinsed and drained

1 can whole baby corn, drained and cut into small pieces

Cheddar Cheese, grated or cubed

Cooked and diced chicken 

    * I love to use Rotisserie Chicken for this

Italian Dressing 

    *my favorite is the Olive Garden brand


Instructions:

Cook pasta according to instructions.  Drain and rinse with cold water.  Pour into a large bowl and mix with olives, beans and corn.  Top with cheese, chicken, and dressing as desired.  

That's it! Eat immediately, or refrigerate for up to a week :)




 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

I am always looking for fast, easy and nutritious meals for my busy weeknight meals.  These wraps have become one of our family favorites.  We serve these with a side of wontons or potstickers to complete the meal. The filling can be made ahead of time and reheated if your day is extra busy. Bibb lettuce is our favorite, but feel free to use iceberg or even romaine for this dish. I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!
Post a Comment
Get the recipe »

Scrumptious Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are one of my favorite things to make with the kids! It's tradition to make them for a few different Holidays including Valentine's Day. While decorating is the usually the main purpose in making these, over the years I have tweaked the cookie recipe and frosting to make them absolutely scrumptious as well! So much yummier that buying a store-bought mix and canned frosting.  I would even be so bold as to say I think they are every bit as good, if not better, than Swig and Crumble! Give them a try and see if you agree.   My Scrumptious Sugar Cookie Frosting is an ultra creamy, cream cheese frosting with a few extra additions that put it over the top! Sour Cream adds to the creaminess and takes the sweetness down a notch.  The frosting is still plenty sweet but not sickeningly so.  Butter Vanilla Emulsion is my other secret weapon that really elevates the flavor of this frosting! It can be found on Amazon, or in a craft store like Michaels,  but...
Post a Comment
Get the recipe »

Peanut Butter and Milk Chocolate Muffins

These have become one of my favorite muffins.  I like the flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, so why not make a muffin out of it.  We like to make these along side an omelet or scrambled eggs or just have them with a glass of milk, juice or a smoothie as you run out the door.  I like using a nut butter to give the kids some extra protein as well.  Feel free to use milk chocolate chips, mini chips or whatever makes you happy.  An easy muffin, full of flavor and yummy goodness.  Enjoy!
Post a Comment
Get the recipe »