EASY PASTA SALAD WITH SWEET AND SOUR DRESSING

Easy Pasta Salad with Sweet and Sour Dressing image

Provided by Maggie Pennel

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb cooked pasta (shape of choice)
1 pkg frozen vegetable mix with broccoli (your choice)
2 c cooked, diced meat of choice (leave out if vegetarian)
1 can(s) sliced black olives (optional)
1/2 small onion diced (may be cooked with pasta to remove sharpness)
fresh vegetables of choice to make salad look filled up
shredded cheese to garnish
SALAD DRESSING
1 c each red wine vinegar, sugar and oil of choice (i prefer 1/2 extra virgin olive oil and 1/2 canola)
1 Tbsp mixed italian seasoning
1 tsp each dry mustard, garlic granules, onion powder
1/2 tsp salt (add more to taste)
1/8 tsp black or white pepper

Steps:

1. Cook pasta as directed on package. Right before pasta is finished add frozen mixed vegetables to thaw. (allow for the vegetables to reheat the water until it steams. You just want to thaw them not cook them). Drain and set aside. Dice the fresh vegetables and meat. Add to pasta. Gently toss. Cover and set in refrigerator.
2. While pasta is cooking make dressing. Combine all dressing ingredients in a pint jar with a lid. Place lid on jar and screw down tightly. Shake until the sugar dissolves. Set in the refrigerator to give flavors time to mingle and garlic to soften-about 30 min to an hr. Pour entire contents over chilled pasta. Garnish with shredded cheese of choice. Serve cold.