A Passion for Painting: Summer Fun

In the summer we like to spend as much time outside as possible. We have a pool and the kids and grandkids love splashing and soaking everyone with their water guns. The lil' guy has fun watching the festivities!

One of my favorite recipes to make is pasta salad (always a crowd pleaser). I have tried many different recipes over the years but this is by far the best one.

Homemade Pasta Salad
1 lb. box Rotini pasta (cooked aldente)

6-8 Campari tomatoes quartered

1 small can black olives sliced

1/2 purple onion

1 Avocado diced (optional)

1 full bag of Spinach

3 Garlic cloves crushed

1/2 Bottle Robust or Zesty Italian Dressing (or your preference)
Parmesano Reggiano cheese

Cook pasta in salted boiling water till aldente. While pasta is cooking add olive oil and crushed garlic to a deep frying pan and simmer till just starting to turn color. Add bag of spinach and stir, sautee-ing spinach and garlic together at a very low heat. When pasta is cook, drain and then submerge into cold water to stop the

cooking process. Add all ingredients except for spinach and cheese. Mix thoroughly then stir in spinach and sprinkle cheese.

You can add diced chicken for a complete meal or serve the original recipe with hamburgers, hot dogs and corn on the cob for a delicious outdoor meal. (This looks like it takes a bit of time to prepare but is made in no time at all and is so good!)

And if your looking for a pretty way to serve your pasta salad take a look a these lovely serving bowls especially for outdoor living.