Wednesday, May 7, 2014

PASTA SALAD - NEEDS YOUR HELP !!!!!!!

Maureen from Cornell University Cooperative Extension gave us some of this recipe at the Nutrition Center that I work at.  Everyone said this recipe is nutritional, but is very bland.  It needs something.  I know we have several great cooks here.  I told Maureen, I would turn it over to you folks for your suggestions.

This salad is to be one that a senior citizen could easily make. Also, it must be something a diabetic person could eat.  You have to have the cooked pasta in it, but after that you can change the recipe anyway you want - take away or add anything you want.  Your suggestions will go to Maureen.  If you don't want your name on your recipe - that's fine.  It's the recipe suggestions she wants.

So have fun.  Do anything to this recipe that you think is necessary.  I already contacted Jean who with Edward came up with suggestions, but I won't tell you what they thought until I get yours.

PASTA SALAD

2 cups cooked pasta (any shape)
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 large tomato, chopped
1/2 medium green pepper, diced
1/4 medium onion, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas (fresh peas can also be used)
1/4 cup Italian salad dressing

Mix all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.  Cover and refrigerate.  Mix again before serving.  Refrigerate leftovers.

Be Creative!
Try adding leftover vegetables

13 comments:

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Folks,

Here is something different. Can you improve on this recipe? It's good and healthy, but it needs something else.

Marilyn

Katya said...

My family....who makes pasta salad a lot...would say to add some small chunks of cheese and pepperoni! They use cheddar cheese and turkey pepperoni. That would give a more "complete" bouquet of flavors.

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Katya,

That sounds real good. Thank you so much for your help.

Marilyn

Countryside Reflections said...

I was going to suggest the chunks of cheddar cheese too, or maybe sprinkle it with parmesan cheese.

Doreen

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Doreen,

You and Jean think alike. One of things Jean thought would be a big help to that recipe is cheese.

Marilyn

jem60 said...

Try a little Pepper Jack Cheese and Broccoli that is what I use it gives it a little zing.

Diann said...

I put red bell pepper in mine; it gives a little more taste. Also try adding some cubed cheese or broccoli.

Dimple said...

I would leave out the Italian dressing and substitute mayonnaise, then add mustard. If it was too thick, I would add some dill pickle juice. (This would make something similar to potato salad.)

Jackie said...

Try a different dressing instead of Italian. I make mine with Ken's Sun Dried Tomato (Light) and it gives it a really good flavor.

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Folks,
I went to work and then had some place to go this afternoon so I just got home. You all have some fantastic recipes. I will see Maureen gets them.

Jean and Edward's idea was to add some carrots, add some pieces of cheese, get rid of the salad dressing and add some low calorie mayo. Another idea of theirs was to add some cut up pieces of turkey, the cheese and the mayo.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Folks,
I want to thank everyone for the suggestions and I will see that Maureen gets them. If anyone else has any they would like to add, please feel free. Hope you enjoyed doing this. I know we have some great cooks here.

Marilyn



Melissa M. said...

The recipe I have has McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning in it (along with the previously listed ingredients). Mine may also have more Italian dressing. The seasoning is found with the other spices at the store.

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Melissa,

Thank you so much for your recipe advice. I will see that Maureen gets it.

Marilyn