Italian Pasta Salad

Two weeks ago, my family got to celebrate my granddad's 87th birthday with a big cookout...I'm talking about grilled burgers, hot dogs, bratwursts, and homemade ice cream in addition to the homemade potato salads, coleslaws and baked beans. Although it was 95 degrees outside with the 100% humidity that comes with summertime in the South, it was a perfect day for spending time with family and eating delicious foods.  Everyone was assigned different foods to bring for the gathering, and I was assigned pasta salad. This recipe is simple and is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!

Ingredients include: a 1 lb. box of tri-colored rotini noodles, 1 bottle of italian dressing, 1 package of bacon bits, 2 Roma tomatoes (I had cherry tomatoes on hand so I used those instead), 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, and 1 small head of broccoli.

Boil the pasta according to the directions on the back of the box.  While the pasta is boiling, dice the tomatoes and cut the broccoli into smaller pieces.

Once pasta is cooked, drain water from pasta. Combine pasta with the tomatoes, broccoli, bacon bits, Parmesan cheese, and Italian dressing. Stir to get ingredients evenly coated with the cheese and dressing. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, and serve!

Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. box tri-colored rotini noodles
• 1 package bacon bits
• 1 bottle Italian dressing
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 Roma tomatoes
• 1 small head of broccoli

Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to directions on back of box.
2. While pasta is boiling, dice tomatoes and cut broccoli into florets.
3. Once pasta is done, drain water off and pour pasta into a bowl.
4. Combine tomatoes, broccoli, parmesan cheese, Italian dressing, and bacon bits with pasta, stir.
5. Refrigerate for thirty minutes before serving.
6. Enjoy!