Sunday salad #1- pasta salad

At the beginning of the new year a lot of people like to make food resolutions, usually to eat better and lose weight. I already eat pretty well (most of the time) and I'm not into losing weight (although maybe I should), so I thought I'd share a series of salads with you that are filling, without making you feel as if you've over-eaten. You could even call them side-dish salads, to go with your choice of protein, some even have protein in them and could be a meal themselves. So, start your new year with 12 Sundays of salad ideas that are healthy, hearty, and homemade.


The first salad is a very common one, so easy it is ridiculous. Add the raw veggies you like and your favorite Italian dressing. Here's my version...

PASTA SALAD
12 oz. tri-color rotini (cook and cool)
-don't forget to add salt while cooking pasta
1/2 medium purple onion (chopped fine)
1 green bell pepper, or any color (chopped)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 c. black olives
1 c. Italian dressing
-toss all together then add 
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
salt & pepper to taste
-makes six servings