Another favorite spice cupboard staple for me now is an Italian Salad Dressing Mix. Not everyone in my family likes Italian Dressing, so I don’t always stock a bottle. So, when I decide to make the popular pasta salad recipe below (that my family devours), I often have to run to the store. I was so excited when Alison introduced me to this mix. It will last much longer on my shelf than bottled dressing (especially if you pour it into a mason jar and vacuum seal it), so it can be ready when you need it. It can also be used as a marinade for chicken. I’m thinking it could even work blended into butter to make a spread for french bread…I’ll have to try that one. Here is a great, customizable salad recipe that uses pasta from your food storage and vegetables from your garden (or whichever garden from which Albertson’s gets their veggies! 🙂 ).
FAVORITE PASTA SALAD
10-12 oz. rotini, cooked, drained, and cooled
Combine and pour over rotini:
1 C. Italian Salad Dressing (made per package directions)
1/2 C. Miracle Whip
Stir in any combination of the following:
cucumber, peeled and diced
shredded carrots
roma or cherry tomatoes, chopped
black olives
purple onion, chopped
pepperoni or salami, quartered
shredded mozzarella cheese
Chill in refrigerator. Serve and enjoy!
You are so awesome, Kim. I just think you’re incredible and wish I could cook like you do. (and wish I enjoyed it like you do!)
I have put butter and Italian Salad Dressing mix on the tops of my rolls before baking. It is delicious!