| Has this ever happened to you? You've been | | | | following package directions and then drain. |
| invited to a party and realize you don't have | | | | Pour the dressing on while the noodles are |
| a meal to bring. Not only that, but the party | | | | warm so they will absorb that entire good |
| starts in an hour. What should you do? | | | | oily flavor. |
| | | | |
| You have four options: | | | | Look around your kitchen to see if you have |
| | | | any of the following ingredients: |
| Don't go, and miss out on a really fun time. | | | | |
| | | | Fresh veggies - carrots, broccoli, green |
| Show up empty-handed and explain red-faced | | | | onions |
| that you forgot. | | | | |
| | | | Frozen vegetables - frozen peas are wonderful |
| Grab a casserole dish and head to the deli. | | | | in pasta salad |
| Order your food and have them put it right | | | | |
| into your casserole dish. Yes, I've gone | | | | Cubed or shredded cheese |
| this. It's expensive but it works. If you get | | | | |
| asked for the recipe, just wink and say "It's | | | | Garbanzo beans (also known as Chick Peas) |
| Grandma's secret recipe". | | | | |
| | | | Black Olives |
| Whip up a big batch of pasta salad for only a | | | | |
| few dollars, and have plenty left over to eat | | | | Toss in whatever you can find. It's an |
| for lunch during the week. You will save | | | | 'everything goes' type of recipe. Bring more |
| money and look good showing up at the party | | | | dressing with you in case you need to add it |
| with a great dish. | | | | later, and voila! You're done. |
| | | | |
| Pasta salad is truly one of the easiest meals | | | | If you're feeling fancy, you can bring some |
| to prepare. All you need are noodles and | | | | cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, bacon bits |
| salad dressing. You can use pretty much any | | | | or sunflower seeds as toppings. It's all |
| salad dressing on the market - the standards | | | | good. |
| like Italian, Ranch, or, if you're ambitious, | | | | |
| your favorite homemade dressing. | | | | The next time you are invited to a party, |
| | | | don't panic. Just grab these instructions and |
| Now for the fun part. Cook the noodles, | | | | whip up a meal in minutes. Enjoy! |