Easy Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is my go-to potluck solution. From summer barbecues to spring brunch menus pasta salad is a versatile option that can be customized for the weather, season and the group that is gathering This recipe is a variation of my favorite pasta salad combination and I love having the left overs to enjoy as lunches after a pot luck. 

With Beef Summer Sausage and Mild Cheddar Cheese from the new Simply Hickory Farms collection this classic dish will be a hit no matter your reason for gathering. Simply Hickory Farms is all of your Hickory Farms favorites, now available with all-natural ingredients, nitrate and preservative free, and without MSG. 

Easy Pasta Salad 

Boil a pot of salted water and cook a package of vegetable pasta to al dente. Drain and set aside to cool. I usually prep my ingredients the day before my event and toss everything together before I head out the door. This ensures that the dish is a cool and refreshing addition to the meal. 

This recipe included 1 package of garden rotini, 1 cup yellow bell papers, 1 cup red bell papers, 2 cups Simply Hickory Summer Sausage, 1 1/2 cup cubed Simply Hickory Mild Cheddar and Italian Salad Dressing. 

You can add variation to this recipe by substituting bell peppers for cucumbers, tomatoes or onions. The key ingredients to a good light summer salad is the combination of fresh produce, pasta and a protein and the rest is up to your imagination. 

If you are headed to an event where you don’t know the dressing preferences of those in attendance you can leave the dressing on the side. This salad also goes well with balsamic vinaigrette or Ranch. 

Add all the ingredients to a large mixing bowl and toss together until well combined. Chill until you are ready to serve. 

What are your favorite summer salads to bring to events? Is there a recipe like this that you rely on for potluck gatherings? Shout it out in the comments and let me know what your favorites are! 

Disclaimer: This post was brought to you by Hickory Farms. All opinions, ideas and writing are my own. I was compensated and received a product sample as inspiration for this post.