Prep. 20 Min. + Chilling

Ingredients
1. 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
2. 1 tablespoon canola oil
3. 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
4. 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
5. 1-1/2 cups sugar
6. 1 cup water
7. 3/4 cup white vinegar
8. 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
9. 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
10. 1 teaspoon salt
11. 1 teaspoon pepper
12. 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions

13. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place pasta in a large bowl; stir in the oil, cucumbers and onion.
14. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Cover and chill for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with a slotted spoon. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 8-10 servings.

Prep. 25 Min. + Chilling

Ingredients
1. 2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
2. 1 package (1 pound) sliced bacon, chopped
3. 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
4. 1/2 cup ranch salad dressing
5. 3 cups torn romaine

Directions

6. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon to drain.
7. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; place in a large bowl. Add the bacon, tomato and dressing. Toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.
8. Just before serving, add romaine and toss to coat. Yield: 6 servings.

Prep/Total Time 15 Min.

Ingredients
1. 1-1/2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
2. 1 cup cubed part-skim mozzarella cheese
3. 1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni, quartered
4. 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
5. 1/2 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing

Directions

6. Cook the pasta according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni and broccoli. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; add to the pepperoni mixture. Drizzle with salad dressing; toss to combine. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 4 servings.

Prep. 25 Min. + Chilling

Ingredients
1. 2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
2. 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
3. 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
4. 1 cup halved green grapes
5. 1/2 cup ranch salad dressing

Directions

6. Cook pasta according to package directions.
7. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, mandarin oranges and grapes. Drain and rinse pasta with cold water; add to chicken mixture. Drizzle with salad dressing; toss to coat.
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Yield: 6 servings.

Prep/Total time: 20 Min.

Ingredients
1. 2-1/2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
2. 1 package (10 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables
3. 2/3 cup ranch salad dressing
4. 1/3 cup Italian salad dressing
5. 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
6. 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
7. 2 small tomatoes, diced

Directions

8. In a large kettle, cook pasta according to package directions. Place frozen vegetables in strainer. Pour cooked pasta and water over vegetables to thaw; rinse and drain well. In a small bowl or jar with tight-fitting lid, combine salad dressings, dill and garlic salt until smooth. Place pasta mixture in a large bowl. Add tomatoes and dressing; stir gently to coat. Yield: 6 servings.

Found this recipe in some old boxes in the basement.  Sounds good so I thought  I’d share it.

Directions:  To 4 qts. Boiling water, add spiral pasta.  Cook for 7-9 min. (do not over cook) Wash and clean broccoli  and cauliflower.  Cut stems off close to tops and cut tops into bite size pieces.  Slice green olives.  Drain liquid off the black olives.  When the pasta is done, drain and rinse with cold water.  Place pasta in a 2 qt. mixing bowl.  Add broccoli, cauliflower, olives and cheeses.  Shake Italian dressing well and pour entire bottle over salad.  Toss well, cover and refrigerate at least 2 hrs., stirring at least twice so that the dressing flavors the salad.  May be prepared the day before and will keep 2-3 days in the refrigerator.  Serves approx. 6 people and the recipe can, of course, be doubled.

Note:  This is particularly good in the summer when it is hot outside.  You can add green peppers, mushrooms or chives if desired.  Ham and salami are also good if you want a quick lunch dish.