Sometimes the best meals on a hot summer day are the pre-made cold ones living inside your fridge. One of our favourite go-to's is pasta salad. They're easy to make, and in less than 20 minutes, you can have something that can last you a couple meals when getting through a heat wave without turning on your oven. 

There are hundreds of ways you can make a pasta salad depending on your taste. Pesto, Mediterranean, the list goes on.

One of our favourites is simply called "You Easy Go-To Pasta Salad" and can be made in less than 20 minutes so it's perfect for lunch, dinner, picnics, whatever you need. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Pasta: Pick out your favourite Co-op Gold pasta. For this one, we recommend fusilli, macaroni, penne or bow tie. Reason being is in a pasta salad, these noodles hold flavour much better than a straight noodle.
• Veggies: Shop our fresh selection of vegetables in your local Otter Co-op Food Store. Many options are locally grown so they're fresh, flavourful and ready to join your pasta salad party. Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Sweet onion, Green Onions and Parsley
• Protein: Don't forget to add a bit of protein to your salad, it'll help fill you up! You can add chicken or if you prefer to not add a meat, just add black beans
• Cheese: Mozzarella and parmesan cheese for on-top
• Dressing: Red Wine Vinegar, Dried Oregano & Olive Oil

WHAT TO DO:

Start with cooking your pasta which takes approx 11 — 13 minutes depending on what noodle you choose. Drain your pasta and run cold water overtop to remove any remaining starch and prevent your noodles from sticking together. 

While your noodles are cooking, prep your veggies and add to your bowl. Remember to cut your veggies into small pieces so you're not overwhelmed when eating. Add your mozzarella cheese and toss mix everything up really well in your bowl.

In a separate bowl, make your dressing: Olive oil, dried oregano, and red wine vinegar, you can add some lemon zest by grating a lemon into the mix for a little added citrus. Once mixed, add to your salad.

Grate fresh parmesan cheese over top and add fresh parsley for garnish, and place your salad in your fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will settle your salad and let the flavours merge together. 

Enjoy!