Italian Dressing

Salad dressings are easy to make. If you keep a lots of seasonings on hand, you can put some together in a matter of minutes.

You will need a jar that has a tight fitting lid. A 16 oz. jar is the perfect size.

Ingredients:

1 cup oil. I use olive oil, but any vegetable oil will do.
1/4 cup vinegar
2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, crushed

Add the the ingredients to your jar. Screw the lid on tightly and shake well.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Shake well before using.

Makes 1-1/4 cups dressing.

Enjoy!

A couple recipes I have that use Italian dressing are Jambalaya Salad and Italian Cheese Bread.
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Last year's I- Italian Cheese Bread

Making Pasta Salad- The Easy Way

I love pasta salad so much. I could eat it all the time.

I never used to make it. I would eat it when I'd go somewhere or someone brought it to my place and I always loved it.

I searched for recipes or just bought a mix.

Than I realized I was making it much harder than it needed to be.

All you need is some pasta,whatever meat you want- if you want, cheese, and vegetables.
You will also need a bottle of salad dressing. Just whatever kind you like.

I usually take a handful of every veggie I am using.
If it is frozen, put it in a colander.
The rest goes into a big bowl with the meat. Use maybe a cup of meat.

Cook 3-4 cups of pasta.
Drain in the colander you have the frozen vegetables in. The hot water will thaw out the vegetables.
Rinse the pasta and vegetables in cold water. Drain well.

Pour the pasta/veggies into the bowl with the meat and other vegetables.
Add a handful of shredded cheese or small cubes of cheese.

Pour salad dressing over the mixture.
Just add enough to coat the pasta salad.

Chill until serving.

The pasta may absorb some of the salad dressing. So, if the salad seems dry, add a little more to moisten.

What could be easier?

That's it.

Your pasta salad done your way.
Yummy!