Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is one of my favorite dinners during the summer. They're fast and easy and they don't heat up the whole kitchen.

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
1 (12 oz.) box multi-colored pasta
several handfuls baby kale or spinach (spinach would have a milder flavor)
1 (14 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 large can olives, drained and chopped
1-2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved (I used yellow)
1-2 c. cooked, chopped chicken
1 c. italian dressing
1/2 c. mayonnaise
salt and pepper

Here are the ingredients I used:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Before draining, add kale to the pasta.

 Stir and cook just until kale wilts (it only takes about 30 seconds).

 Drain pasta and kale. Rinse with cold water.

 To prepare dressing, whisk together italian dressing and mayonnaise.

 Toss all ingredients in a large bowl with dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.

 I was unsure if my kids would even touch the kale in this salad. They usually just eat the noodles and leave the veggies. But they actually ate it all! I am delighted whenever they get excited about a new food. Enjoy!

Summer Pasta Salad

I love this recipe! It's one of my favorites because it's not very difficult and doesn't take a lot of time! It's great for summer!

Summer Pasta Salad

8 oz. (or so) dry multicolored pasta, cooked

black olives, chopped

cucumber, chopped

tomatoes, chopped

bell pepper, chopped

pepperoni

onion powder

garlic powder

extra virgin olive oil

balsamic vinegar

salt & pepper

Use as much or as little as you like of each ingredient and toss together. I tend to be sparing with the vinegar because it's very strong! You can also add any ingredients that sound good to you. Be creative!

Sometimes instead of using the olive oil and vinegar, I'll just toss it with some ranch dressing. It's also very delicious. Enjoy!