Recently, MM and I were invited to what can only be called the largest family gathering of the summer – a huge bash to celebrate the ability to get back together after over a year of solitude, along with nuptials and a new baby on the way. The only request from the hosts was a gift for the baby and a side dish!
An easy request, in my opinion, though I’m more likely to bring some kind of dessert. What to do, what to do…
Grandma’s recipe books to the rescue!
Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- ½ c Italian salad dressing
- ½ c Miracle Whip dressing
- 8 oz Cavatappi noodles cooked and drained
- 1 c broccoli florets steamed and cooled
- ½ c chopped green pepper seeds removed
- ½ c chopped tomato seeds removed
- ¼ c sliced green onions
Instructions
- Combine dressings in a small bowl, and stir until a creamy mixture forms.
- In a large bowl, combine noodles, broccoli, green pepper, tomato, and onions. Mix well, then add the dressing mixture. Mix well to ensure an even coating of the dressing.
- Chill for at least½ 2 hours, then serve.
Notes
- Add about 1/2 c of water to a saucepan, and bring to a boil.
- Add broccoli and cover, steaming for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and drain.
I had no idea how large the crowd was going to be at this particular gathering, so instead of going with the exact amount in the recipe, I doubled it. I figured since a full box of noodles feeds about 8, upping the amount would probably be a good idea.
It also didn’t hurt that doubling the amounts used the entirety of the green pepper and tomato I purchased.
To be honest, I’m not sure if Grandma made this particular recipe in the past (though I saw another for a spaghetti pasta salad that looks familiar), but if she had, she would have liked it, I think. Creamy dressing, and she was a fan of green peppers and green onions. I’m not as big a fan of green peppers, so in the future, I may try to figure out how to adjust this more to my tastes.
But all that said, this was a super easy recipe to put together and chill overnight, then transport a few hours (in a cooler, of course). Try it!
Also, take a look through the older recipe books that you may have – you never know what you may find!
