You gotta love summer! Grilling and BBQ are just part of the culinary thrill, but in my house, pasta salad is really where it’s at – especially for “Mostly Wonderful!” When it comes to hot weather lunches, my husband loves a side of pasta salad on his plate. While we live in the vicinity of some really amazing Italian delis, a pound of pasta salad can easily run anywhere from $8 to $12 dollars per pound. I recently decided to make my own version. For under $2 dollars per serving, not only does it cost less, but it tastes delicious!
Ingredients: 
1 Box of Rotini Pasta
1 Cup Chopped Grape Tomatoes
1 Red Onion, Finely Chopped
1 Cup of Chopped Celery
1 Can on Black Olives, Rinsed, Drained
1 Package of Feta Cheese Crumbles
2 Cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
2 Tablespoons McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning
Cook your pasta according to the package directions; drain and rinse. Place your pasta in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Rinse and slice your tomatoes and celery; placing them in the bowl with your rotini. Next, chop your red onion, adding it to your pasta, tomatoes and celery. Finally, carefully open your can of black olives, rinse and drain. Add them to the bowl.
In a separate bowl, pour 2 cups of extra virgin olive oil, 1 Teaspoon of salt, 1 Teaspoon of pepper and 2 Tablespoons of McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning. Mix well and pour over your pasta. Toss the liquid thoroughly, making sure all the pasta is coated. Add your feta cheese crumbles and then mix again. Refrigerate overnight before eating. The colder the pasta is, the better it will taste.
Remember, this recipe is very versatile. You can substitute or add anything you like to your version, including a different cheese, olive, or vegetable. Add what you like and you will have a delicious rotini pasta salad you can make and enjoy all summer long! This recipe is also a great activity for both blind/visually impaired children and adults to practice culinary safety and chopping skills! Happy Summer!
