Recipes

Capital Pasta Salad

By: Taps One

I got this from the Statesman several years ago, but I have made it many times and have had lots of requests for the recipe.
Details
  • Prep Time:
    15 min
  • Cook Time:
    20 min
  • Ready In:
    35 min
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 12 oz Dry Pasta Salad, wagon wheels or med. shells are about the right size
  • 8 oz . Bottle Ranch Dressing
  • Doz. Cherry Tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 small green Bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 small red Bell Pepper, diced
  • 4 green onions Dice the onions and 2
  • 1 small avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro optional
  • Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Cook pasta according to directions on package. Place in large salad bowl. Cool 10-15 min. in Fridge. Add dressing and toss. Add remaining ingredients and toss again. Refrigerate for at least an hour. I usually add the avocado just before serving to keep it from turning brown. Variation: Cooked chicken or shrimp may be added.

3 Responses to “Capital Pasta Salad”

  1. drizzew May 27th, 2010 Permalink

    Weezy made this salad this past Monday and....DAYUUUUM!

    Was awesome! Leah, Weezy used light ranch(due to our diet) and I think she just used the cheap store brand but I could be wrong. I wonder what it would taste like if you bought the ranch seasoning that you make yourself??? Hmmmmmmm...I feel a weekend recipe project coming on.

    Anyway, we also cooked four strips of smoked bacon and choped them up then tossed on top of the salad. Also, the leftover "green" part of the onion we cut on a bias and used as a garnish as well. I just hate to throw any vegetable away.

    Was absolutely the best pasta salad I've ever had and immediately made Taps One the owner of the "Recipe Of The Month" here on the Spork.

    Yeah, that's right. I just made up a meaningless award that is arbitrarily awarded. I can do that. I'm the drizzew.

    Thanks Taps One!

  2. Leah May 25th, 2010 Permalink

    Sounds fantastic. A key ingredient is the *right* type of Ranch Dressing. Some are good, most are not. Be sure you get a good one. Suggestions as to the best tasting Ranch Dressing anyone??

  3. Weezy May 27th, 2010 Permalink

    For the record, I used Kraft Fat Free ranch dressing. My favorite full fat ranch is Hidden Valley. I plan on making this for an upcoming birthday party and I will definitely use full fat ranch since I know Drizzew and I won't be eating the entire batch!

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