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