Classic Pasta Salad

We just returned from a vacation in Traverse City, Michigan which was relaxing and beautiful. If you want to see the beauty that is Michigan this time of year check out my Instagram! We enjoyed a lot of beach and water time, hiking sand dunes {yes, this pregnant girl did climb a sand dune!}, playing on playgrounds, grilling out, having camp fires and watching those breathtaking Michigan sunsets. Nothing can beat some quality family time up north! Once we got back from vacation I realized that July 4th was upon us! This summer is flying by! Hopefully everyone has been able to get out and enjoy the warm weather. I have already been to a few BBQs and picnics which always make me happy. Today’s Classic Pasta Salad is one of the pasta salads that I like to bring to a big group gathering, especially if I don’t know how adventurous of eaters the crowd will be.

My Classic Pasta Salad is a pretty basic recipe that I like to use and sometimes will go ahead and modify it depending on the crowd. This recipe uses your favorite pasta {whole wheat for a healthier salad} along with chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, diced sharp cheddar cheese and a homemade Italian dressing mixed in. Some other ingredients I like to add to this Classic Pasta Salad include other types of cheeses, like mozzarella or feta cheese, additional vegetables, like zucchini, squash and celery and beans, like black beans and chickpeas.

The nice thing with a Classic Pasta Salad is that most people like the ingredients that are in it, making is a popular side dish choice to pair with your burgers, grilled chicken and hotdogs. When it comes to summer {and being 6 months pregnant} I am all about easy. This salad definitely falls into that easy category and just involves boiling your pasta, chopping up the vegetables and cheese and whisking together your homemade Italian dressing {you can of course use your favorite store bought Italian dressing if you prefer}.