Lunch Lady Pasta Salad Recipe
Lunch Lady Pasta Salad is a quick and refreshing dish perfect for a light lunch or a side at gatherings. This easy-to-make pasta salad features tender rotini pasta combined with a medley of mixed vegetables and fresh chopped broccoli, all coated in flavorful Italian dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it offers a colorful, nutritious, and satisfying option that can be prepared ahead and chilled for enhanced taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Vegetables
- 1 lb frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
- 12 oz chopped broccoli
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1½ cup Italian salad dressing
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and drained pasta, thawed mixed vegetables, and chopped broccoli. Stir gently to distribute the vegetables evenly.
- Add Dressing: Pour the Italian salad dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss lightly but thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated with the dressing. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for best taste and freshness.
Notes
- Use al dente pasta to avoid mushiness when mixed with dressing and vegetables.
- You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal vegetables if preferred.
- For a healthier version, opt for a low-fat or reduced-sodium Italian dressing.
- This salad tastes better after chilling and can be made up to a day in advance.
- Add some grated Parmesan cheese or olives for extra flavor if desired.
Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/lunch-lady-pasta-salad-recipe/