KitchenMagician's Recipe

SALAD - PASTA - POTLUCK SPECIAL

Category: Salads

Makes 8 to 12 servings.

1 1/2 c. wagon-wheel macaroni or desired pasta
1 1/2 c. tricolored rotini
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 red sweet pepper, cut into strips
1 zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 1/2 c. frozen peas, cooked and cooled
3/4 c. pitted ripe olives, drained
1 c. cubed smoked cheddar cheese
1 c. unblanched whole almonds, toasted
1 1/2 c. thinly sliced green onions
2 T. snipped fresh tarragon, oregano, basil, or dill
1 c. regular or nonfat Italian salad dressing

Cook pasta according to package directions, except add cayenne pepper to cooking water.
Drain pasta. Rinse with cold water; drain again.
In a large bowl combine pasta, vegetables and herbs.
Add dressing to pasta mixture; toss gently to coat. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours.