My favorite candy in the whole wide world is skittles. Although most the time I prefer chocolate over fruity candy, I am always in the mood for skittles. Okay, I’m always in the mood for candy in general, but skittles are the best. I love all the different packages of skittles, crazy cores, original, tropical, riddles, blenders, wild berry (okay I won’t lie, I wasn’t a fan of the fizzled ones or chocolate – I mean bleehhh!).
One thing I love about skittles are the different colors (fyi: orange is the best). Anyway, have you seen this printable by Lil Luna? Taste the Rainbow. It’s perfect for the upcoming holiday next week. St. Patrick’s Day.
Another thing I love? This salad. This salad is also perfect for St. Patrick’s day, because its so colorful. The add ins are each a different bright color, plus I like getting the vegetable noodles so the pasta is colorful too. And it makes me excited for warm weather too.
I posted a pasta salad recipe before that was almost identical, but I like the crunch of the carrots and broccoli in this recipe better.
This recipe is more of a feel it out sort of recipe. The amounts of each ingredient don’t need to be very specific because you can put as much or as little as you like of each item. I didn’t measure how much I put of anything, but just sort of eyed it out and wanted similar amounts of everything (except of course the pasta and the salad dressing).
Ps. If you can’t find the vegetable rotini I don’t think it adds a huge flavor change, I just love all the colors.
Pasta Salad
16 oz vegetable rotini noodles
4 sticks of string cheese
1/2 can of olives
12 baby carrots
1/2 package of pepperoni
1 small broccoli head
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 bottle zesty italian dressing
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Cut string cheese into 1/8 inch slices. Cut olives into thirds. Cut carrots into 1/8 inch slices. Cut pepperonis into halves. Cut broccoli into small pieces.
3. When pasta is done cooking, rinse noodles with cold water. Shake them off to dry.
4. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over noodles and stir in a large bowl.
5. Add chopped cheese, olives, carrots, pepperonis and broccoli to pasta bowl.
6. Pour zesty italian dressing over the top and stir well.
That’s it. Easiest recipe ever. Enjoy.
Angie says
I made this for 4th of July, only changes were adding onion, and omitting olives. It went over very well. This recipe makes a lot, would be great for church potlucks, etc, too. Thank you 🙂
Aimee Berrett says
So glad you all liked it! You’re right it does make a lot, so its definitely perfect for a big group!
Mary-Lynn Kebker says
Can I make this recipe ahead a couple of days and store it in the freezer? I am going on vacation and I want to make this ahead of time, but not if it will go bad. How do you suggest packing this in my cooler? Thanks!
Aimee Berrett says
I think it would store fine in the fridge for a few days, I might just wait to add the dressing. I’m not sure how it will freeze as I’ve never tried, but let me know if you do!
Danelle says
I love pasta salad, especially in the warmer months!
Bunny Eats Design says
This looks lovely hot or cold but for me, pasta salad always seems to have a dollop of mayonnaise. I think that makes it a salad in my mind 😀
aimeeberrett says
Interesting, I have never though of adding mayo to the mix. Do you mix it in with the salad dressing? Or making your own dressing?
Bunny Eats Design says
I usually use mayo instead of salad dressing. Maybe pesto too.
Nicole says
SKITTLES!!!!!!!! You can have all of my orange Skittles if you’ll share the RED ones with me. I love red Skittles. As for the pasta salad, that’s a great looking recipe. I love pasta salad with lots of veggies. Thanks for sharing. =)
aimeeberrett says
Deal! For Christmas my brother and his wife bought 5 bags of skittles and separated every color. I got the orange ones, a few of their other friends got the other colors. So good!
Nicole says
OHMYGOSH ….. can I come to your family’s Christmas party!!!!!!!! Rock-paper-scissors for the red ones. HAHAHA Too funny =)
aimeeberrett says
Haha, you’ll have to fight my mom over the red ones (or share) those are her favorite too 🙂
Ellen Garrett says
You are getting pretty fancy with your photos. Very nice, very yummy looking and sounding. Love you – Mom
janilebaron says
I love pasta salad. It’s getting me in the mood for warmer weather! 🙂
aimeeberrett says
I know! I just really want to have a BBQ now!
Mama Mouse says
oooh pretty!
Joy @ Yesterfood says
Beautiful, basic, and delicious- my favorite kinds of recipes! Your photography is delicious! 🙂 Thanks for a great recipe- PINNING! 🙂
aimeeberrett says
Thanks Joy, you are so sweet 🙂 Let me know if you end up trying it out!