Vickie's Colorful Pasta Salad 🍝🥗

This vibrant pasta salad is a fantastic dish for gatherings, BBQs, or meal prepping for the week ahead. It's not only easy to whip up but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Feel free to get playful with the vegetables based on what's in season or your personal favorites! Pair it with fresh bread or grilled chicken for a heartier meal. 🥖🍗

Ingredients

Salad Base

• 1 lb. corkscrew pasta, cooked & drained
• 1 cup turkey or chicken, cut into strips
• 4-5 cups assorted cooked or raw vegetables (consider bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, or carrots)
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Dressing

• 2 cups ranch salad dressing (feel free to add a splash of Italian dressing for added zing!)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the corkscrew pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.

   🥄 A little drizzle of olive oil on the warm pasta helps prevent it from sticking together!

2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, turkey or chicken, assorted vegetables, and grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Dress It Up: Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.

4. Chill Time: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

5. Serve: Toss again before serving, and enjoy your vibrant dish!

Tips & Variations

• Add Crunch: Toss in some nuts or seeds for an added crunch—think sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts.
• Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley can elevate the flavor profile! Just chop finely and mix in before serving.
• Make It Vegetarian: Swap out the chicken or turkey for chickpeas or black beans to give it a protein boost without the meat.
• Special Diets: Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

Storage

• Keep Fresh: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just stir well before serving as some dressing may settle at the bottom.

Enjoy this delicious, colorful pasta salad at your next meal and impress everyone with your culinary skills! 🎉🥙