Easy Pasta Salad

I love the spring weather. Though I think daylight savings should be rid of, every spring forward with the extra hour of light brings me so much joy. It also makes me want to barbecue, and what goes better with barbecue than a delicious, easy pasta salad. So here’s a recipe that always goes quick in my household.

Ingredients:

• 1 12 ounce bag pasta of Choice. I like the Trader Joe’s radiatore of many colors- it’s a delicious veggie filled pasta

• 1 medium red onion

• 1 medium cucumber

• 3 Roma tomatoes

• 1 12 ounce jar marinated artichoke halves

• 1 12 ounce jar Kalamata olives or black olives

• 3 tbsp Ranch seasoning

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (chosen is a great healthier version if you don’t make It yourself)

• 1/2 tsp or more to liking

• salt to taste If you use the olives, you will want to make sure to taste before adding the salt. I’d start with a pinch of pink Himalayan sea salt and add accordingly. I’ve made batches that don’t need any salt and others that do.

*You can find everything you need for this recipe at Trader Joe’s. I love their brand ranch seasoning that comes in a jar to use at will and their pastas are imported from Italy are are not only cheap but delicious!

**You can substitute the Roma tomato’s with a package of the mini tomato medley- I usually use those because they add beautiful color but I didn’t have any on hand.

Instructions:

• Fill pot with water and bring to a boil. I always throw in a pinch of salt.

• Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to pasta instructions- usually 9-11 minutes

• Strain and set aside to cool

• Finely dice red onion and throw into a large bowl

• Cut tomatoes in half. Remove seeds. Finely dice into small pieces and add into bowl.

• Peel Cucumber. Remove seeds. Dice into small pieces. Add into bowl.

• Use slotted spoon to remove marinated artichokes. Dice up very small and add into bowl.

• Strain olives from jar/can. Finely dice up and add into bowl.

• Add cooled pasta to bowl

• Add in mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, and pepper. Mix well and take a little taste test before adding salt.

• Let cool in fridge or enjoy immediately.

I love to pair with barbecue chicken and veggies