Veggie Filled Pasta Salad for 4th of July

Happy 4th of July! I hope everyone is spending the holiday with family and friends! We will be sharing it with some good friends in just a little while. Of course, I am bringing something to the barbeque that we'll be enjoying - my Pasta Salad!
From Family, Friends and Food
I make it a bit differently every time so, I'll share what I do but feel free to incorporate any fresh veggies you happen to have on hand. I like to use the tri-color rotini simply because it's a fun shape and the kids tend to enjoy it. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking chop your veggies, today I did a rough chop of the broccoli and cauliflower so each piece would be bite-size. Once the pasta was done and removed to a colander to be rinsed under cold water, I added the cauliflower and broccoli to the already boiling water for about 1 minute - just a quick blanche in the water. 

 Then, I tossed the veggies and the pasta together and let it hang out for a few minutes while I cut the pint of grape tomatoes into halves and quarters. I also had a container of mini bocconcini (mini fresh mozzarella balls) that I decided to toss in as well. Finally, I added about 3/4 cup of prepared Italian dressing and tossed gently to ensure everything was well covered. You can use any dressing you happen to enjoy. Allow to chill for at least 3-4 hours before serving.

For more summer barbeque ideas, check these blogs out:
Over at One Hot Stove they were inspired by Kalyn's Kitchen and made a Oven Roasted Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad. I'm all over those roasted tomatoes and will be trying something similar to that very soon!
Deb at Smitten Kitchen is always coming up with truly fantastic ideas, and her latest is Watermelon Lemonade! I can imagine that one pitcher of that pink, fruity goodness wouldn't last long here as both of My Boys LOVE lemonade!
Another of my very favorite blogs, Joy the Baker, has shared a whole slew of summer cooking ideas - including a Raspberry Lemonade and S'Mores Brownies! My mouth is watering just looking at her photos!
If you are still searching for a perfect dessert, head over to Good Things Catered and make these adorable All American Summer Tarts!
Even if you don't have time to try any of these ideas today, there's always tomorrow! Who says you can only celebrate the 4th of July on one day? I think it's fun to spread the fun through the whole weekend!
Be safe and have a great holiday! Don't forget to thank the servicemen and women for all that they do to protect our country!
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Comments

Looks like a really tasty pasta salad! I am loving all those veggies! Yum!
Mary Bergfeld said…
What wonderful color :-). It looks delicious.
Irene said…
Yay, I love this festive pasta salad! My husband was just telling me today that he loves pasta salad (9 years and I never knew!) and that I don't make it often enough.
Debbie said…
This looks like a lovely, tasty summer salad. The mini mozzarella balls would put this over the top for me! Yum!

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