Garden Pasta Salad

I can't remember for the life of me where I first saw this recipe. But I'm so glad I decided to try it. It's one of the only things I can make from memory. It helps a lot that the ingredients are easily adapted to taste. I usually serve it as a main course and add a bread or potatoes type of side dish to the dinner. It's quick, easy, and filling. And it makes enough for a party or plenty of leftovers to snack on. Enjoy!

Garden Pasta Salad

1 16 oz box of garden spiral pasta

1 8 oz package cubed cheese

1 can black olives, chopped

1 16 oz bottle three cheese salad dressing, light or regular

1/2 head broccoli, crowns only, cut small

1 cucumber, cut into quarters

chopped tomatoes, if desired

Heat water in a large pot, add pasta and cook until done. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water until at least lukewarm. Put pasta in a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients, reserving about 1/4 cup of the dressing. Chill salad until ready to serve. Add additional dressing as needed.

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."

-Russel Baker

"Weather means more when you have a garden. There's nothing like listening to a shower and thinking how it is soaking in around your green beans."

-Marcelene Cox