No summer table is complete without a great pasta salad. For all you gardeners out there,  a pasta salad is the perfect way to display your harvest and use up those extra tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini. For those of use without a green thumb, farmer’s markets and groceries have the cheapest produce now.

If you’re looking in the crisper bin and have an abundance of vegetables, grab some pasta, and make a masterpiece your family will love.

I selected this recipe for an Italian pasta salad for our August salad of 2023. Here is the link, https://www.aheadofthyme.com/italian-pasta-salad/

One of the reasons I selected this recipe is its flexibility and versatility. It’s delicious prepared as is or you can get creative with whichever vegetables you have on hand.

I used a farfalle pasta because the little bow tie shapes are so cute and the Italian dressing, herbs, and spices coat the shape well without overwhelming it. You can use any shape or variety you want. You can use whole wheat pasta or for a gluten-free recipe try chickpea or lentil pasta.

I added extra vegetables to the recipe – peas, artichoke hearts, broccoli florets, chickpeas, and carrots. Sometimes I also add red kidney beans. I would have added cucumbers, zucchini, and celery if I’d  had them. I also used three colors of cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes.

I used a simple Italian dressing – whatever you have on hand will work well. I added parsley, garlic, Italian seasonings, black pepper, and crushed red pepper for flavor.

I didn’t add cheese or meat to the bowl, so the members of my family can customize their pasta salad. Also, I made a large bowl of pasta salad. We will have it with/for several meals, and I don’t want the cheeses to get soggy My sons will add Genoa salami, slices of fontina and mozzarella cheeses, and a blend of shredded Asiago, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses. I will add plant-based mozzarella and parmesan cheese alternatives and skip the salami.

You can substitute chicken or pepperoni for the salami. This dish can be a tasty side or a complete meal if you add the beans and/or meats. It’s cool and refreshing for these hot August days. Plus, it’s a colorful addition to your tables.

Be sure to check out the Ahead of Thyme website for more delicious recipes.

Our September salad will be Chicken Garden Salad with ranch dressing.

The Twelve Months of Salads - 2023

January – Celery Salad with Apples

February - Strawberry Avocado Salad

March – Spring Pea, Asparagus and Mint Salad

April - Spring Salad with Edamame, Cucumbers. Snow Peas and Tofu Croutons

May – Southwestern Bean Salad

June – Salad Niçoise

July –  Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette

August – Italian Pasta Salad

September – Chicken Garden Salad with ranch dressing

October – Kale, Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad

November – Hearty Farro Salad

December – Vegan Soba Noodle Salad