Pasta and Spinach Salad

Pasta salad close-up. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the Summertime we love Pasta Salads! One of our favorites is a Pasta and Spinach Salad recipe I got at a Tupperware party back in the 80s. I have tweaked it just a bit but it's basically the same. Sooo yummy! Hope you enjoy it too:)


Pasta & Spinach Salad


1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice (or vinegar)
1 teaspoon dry mustard 
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed (or 1 Tablespoon fresh minced basil)
1 clove garlic, minced or crushed
Pinch of salt
16 ounces corkscrew macaroni (penne is also good)
1 large sweet red, green or yellow pepper, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
2/3 cup sliced pitted ripe olives
2 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
5 cups torn fresh spinach


Combine first 7 ingredients in a jar and shake well to combine. Set aside.
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse cold water and drain again. 
In a large bowl combine marinade, macaroni, sweet pepper, olives, cherry tomatoes and spinach. Stir to combine.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.


As a side dish this recipe will serve 6-8; as a main dish it will serve 4-6. You could add some chicken cut up to make it go farther. 


NOTE: This salad is also good with Tortellini as the pasta and broccoli instead of spinach:) Try adding a can of artichoke hearts for an extra yumm factor:)


Have a great day! Kat