There’s something you should know about me…I love creamy! Creamy dressings, sauces, and desserts. I can’t explain it, I was just born this way. So this Italian Pasta Salad is my favorite side dish!
I have made variations of this salad since high school. Of course back then, I was using a box! Yes folks, a box 😛 Does anyone remember Suddenly Salad? My sister-in law still teases me about the first time I was at their house and they were making dinner. Someone asked if I wanted to start the potato salad…..”Sure, where’s the box?” was my response. You need to remember, my mother is not big on cooking.
I think I have made up for it now, don’t you? Look at me all grown up and publishing a blog about cooking of all things! I’m sure my mother is still mortified. I was supposed to grow up to be a doctor or the president, not a stay at home mom living in Iowa! Funny how things turn out 😉
I didn’t really have a recipe when I made this salad last week. I usually just throw stuff together in a bowl until it looks right….the normal way we all do it! So this is 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup Italian dressing…..
very creamy, not enough flavor. So tonight I went with 1 cup dressing and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, and it was perfect…..
it’s funny how you don’t realize how much you use, until you have to stop and measure! This salad is also delicious with mozzarella cheese pearls and diced salami 🙂
So in addition to all of the social media that I have been trying to learn, I have also started learning about SEO (Search Engine Optimization). As I am typing in my recipes and posts, there is a box at the bottom of the screen prompting me to write in a way that is easiest for search engines to read. As I do things correctly, the red No turns into a green Yes 🙂 It’s kind of like filling in the blanks in a puzzle. When I am finished and my post is published, I see a green light on my toolbar…..
cool huh? In theory, my website will be easier for people to find based on the keywords that have been used. The easier it is to find, the more people will come and visit me 🙂 Of course now I have to go back and play with the other 109 posts to get the green light on those as well! It’s hard to believe that I have already written 112 posts!!!
Enjoy!
Italian Pasta Salad
Print recipe
| Serves | 8 |
| Prep time | 15 minutes |
| Cook time | 12 minutes |
| Total time | 27 minutes |
| Meal type | Side Dish |
Ingredients
- 1 Pound pasta (cooked, drained - I used Barilla Cellentaini)
- 1 Medium zucchini (sliced thin, cut into half circles)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 3 green onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1 cup Italian dressing (I used Newman's Own Oil & Vinegar)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- sea salt & fresh ground pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese pearls (Optional)
Directions
 Place cooked, drained noodles into a large bowl. | |
 Add zucchini. | |
 Add carrots. | |
 Add tomatoes. | |
 Add green onions. | |
 Add basil and olives. (Add mozzarella pearls if using). | |
 Mix dressing and mayonnaise together in a small bowl. | |
 Pour over noodles and vegetables. | |
 Stir to combine. | |
 Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. | |
You can find this recipe partying at these link Parties this week!
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Lisa, this looks so delicious… and easy too! 🙂
I love anything creamy as well. Unfortunately, since discovering my lactose intolerance, I have to improvise a lot, but luckily there’s pretty much a worthy substitute for evertyhing 🙂 This salad looks fabulous.
I have a weakness for creamy stuff too! I try to be good, but it’s so irresistible!
Yummmy!! Looks amazing! And you are so funny posting about “the green light” – I knew exactly what you were talking about when I read the title! All I can say is this… be thankful that you only have 109 posts to go back and deal with. LOL I have quite a few to fix as well so just take them one at a time, sister!
Glad you are a SAHM in Iowa as opposed to being “The President”, btw, so we get to experience all of your awesome creations in the kitchen!! So much more fun!
xoxo
I do a similar recipe but I use Italian dressing instead.
I love pasta salad! Can’t wait to try yours 🙂
I remember suddenly salad! I am also a nut for creamy foods.
Pasta salad is one of my favorite meals in the summer! Thanks for the new version 😉
Glad you linked up on Super Sunday – hope you can come back next week!
Pasta Salad is the perfect summertime food~ I like to add some parmesan cheese to my dressing also:) Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines
Definitely going to have to try, I love pasta salads in the summer!
Thanks!
Julie
What a lovely and fresh salad! 🙂 I am making this for my next barbecue! Thank you so much for linking up with me this week at Tasty Tuesdays! I’ve pinned this & shared it with my followers! Please be sure to stop back by the party and check out some of the other links!
Total flashback I remember one of my aunts making a similar salad. Thanks so much for sharing it with us on foodie friday.
Those noodles look very inviting 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing this at my Happy Monday Show & Share @ HappyWifey.net!
Oh my, now, I am craving.
Judy
I could use the green SEO light, but I’m not on wp 🙁
Your pasta salad is screaming for me to eat it. Anything creamy is going to be good.
I love that this is creamy! Thanks for sharing at Sweet & Savory Saturdays #18!
~Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
I have been making cold salads since this heat wave hit, it is all I have an appetite for! Your Italian Pasta Salad looks like it might be my dinner tonight! I am sharing this today!
This looks delicious! I use the same dressing for my pasta salad…mayo with Ken’s Ceasar Dressing. AND yes, the mayo makes the difference! Sharing with my Walking on Sunshine FB page later today. Thank you for linking up with Foodie Friends Friday!
This looks delicious. I love pasta salad. I chose it for my Foodie Friends Friday host favorite this week, so it will be featured on Daily Dish Magazine Monday. Thanks so much for sharing!
I love Pasta and this looks great. Thanks for sharing this with Foodie Friends Friday. Just wanted to let you know that I am using this recipe in a Labor Day post that I wrote for the Daily Dish Magazine. It will be published on Sunday at 6PST.
http://www.foodiefriendsfridaydailydish.com/celebrate-labor-day/