Cold Pasta Salad Recipes

On these final hot days of summer, the thought of standing over a hot stove or grill is a big turn-off. I'm always trying to think of recipe ideas that don't require much, if any, cooking. Cold pasta salads are a refreshing meal idea that usually only require cooking the pasta.

It's something you can enjoy for lunch (especially good for brown bagging it) or for dinner. And, who doesn't like pasta? Also, pasta salad is a very good way to stretch your food budget. You can make an excellent meal that everyone will enjoy, and not break the bank.

There are so many different variations for pasta salad, you won't get bored. It doesn't have to be Italian style, although those are good, too. One of my favorites is a recipe for Layered Southwestern Pasta Salad. It's a great make ahead recipe that you can carry to a picnic, or have waiting when you come home from soccer practice.

You can make your own recipes too. Just start with some cooked pasta, add your favorite salad ingredients, a dressing (usually vinigrette or mayonaise based), and chill.

What are you waiting for? Try it tonight!