Summer's Still Here... Fire Up the Grill!

If I could name two things I crave the most at any hour of the day, it's popcorn and pasta salad. Popcorn doesn't take very much effort, but pasta salad can definitely make the recipe blog. It reminds me of summer, so I made a nice green salad and delicious veggie burger (favorites include Boca Original Vegan and Amy's California Veggie Burger) on the grill to go along with a delightfully simple pasta salad. Try adding or exchanging extra goodies in your salad like diced peppers and onions.

Simply Pasta Salad

Serves 8-12

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 10 min

Ingredients

4 cups cooked short cut pasta, cooled; elbow macaroni or bowties work best

3/4 cup olive oil and vinegar dressing, such as Newman's Own

1/4 cup green olives, sliced

1/2 cup black olives, halved

1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup celery, chopped, about 3 stalks

S&P

1/2 tsp paprika

Vegan parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Combine olives, tomatoes, celery and dressing in a large bowl.

Sprinkle on paprika. Salt and pepper to taste - liberally.

Add pasta and stir until completely coated with dressing.

Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours before serving.

Top with vegan parmesan cheese and serve with a grill favorite.

Ray's Tip of the Day

Freeze leftover pasta salad and save it for another warm, sunny day!

Cooking with Kids

Colorful pasta can make any side dish more fun for the itty-bitties. Find it in the organic or pasta section of your local grocery store.

Cooking for the Non-Vegan

Pasta salad is a universal enjoyment.

Offer turkey burgers and hot dogs at a BBQ to go along with the pasta salad.

Ray