CREAMY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

When I think of summertime food I instantly think of my mom's Creamy Italian Pasta Salad.  Her famous line, "Who wants some hotdogs and pasta salad?", was said a million times while I was growing up.  Everyone...and I mean everyone loves this pasta salad, including kids.  The combination of cheese, salami, grape tomatoes and pasta all mixed in with a mayo based tangy italian dressing is a sure fire way to get in good with your family and friends! I just made this for about 25 people for  an 8th grade graduation party.  It was such a compliment, because the 8th grader actually looked at my menu and chose what she wanted.  She chose the Creamy Italian Pasta Salad among many other things.  I believe it was a hit!   Not only is it really tasty, but it is so simple to make you could do it in your sleep!  Make this pasta salad at your next bbq and you will be the hostess with the mostess!


CREAMY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD  

·         1 lb. rotini pasta ( I like the tri-colored, but you can use reg. colored ones too)

·         1 lb. salami – chopped

·         1 small brick mild cheddar cheese – chopped into small bite sized pieces

·         1 small brick Monterey Jack cheese – chopped into small bite sized pieces

·         1 pint grape tomatoes – chopped

·         1 bottle of your favorite Italian Dressing

·         1 ½ cups mayo

·         1 cup parmesan cheese

·         Sprinkle of dried oregano & basil

1.      Cook pasta aldente and drain under cold water until pasta is completely cold.  Place cold pasta in a large bowl.

2.      Add salami, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese & grape tomatoes to the pasta.

3.      In a medium sized bowl add Italian dressing, mayo, parmesan cheese and seasoning – whisk together.

4.      Add dressing to pasta mixture and toss and coat well.  I keep about ½ cup of dressing on the side and I like to bring this to the party and pour it fresh over the salad and  toss right before serving.

5.   Place in fridge and let flavors meld together for at least an hour.