Light and Summer Fresh Pasta Salad

 

SweetArt Supplies

 

Sometimes I surprise myself and create something of my own - this is one of those things.  Some of the Facebook pages I follow have posted a lot of pasta salads -- it's hot - you don't want to cook and you want something light and flavourful.

I started with the big pasta shells - cooked and cooled.
I had a huge beautiful avocado on my counter, tomatoes, cucumbers and some lemons - that came with a cool spout that you just insert and then squeeze for fresh juice!

I seeded the tomato and used an English cucumber - if I had had a red pepper I would have put that in to for a little more crunch.

I had some fresh baby romaine lettuce and tossed it all together - it looked wonderful now I needed to create something yummy to dress it up.

hmmmm what do I have .... oh Mrs. Jones Jams I have......Roast Garlic Jelly and Pineapple Jam

Roast Garlic JellyPineapple Jam

 

so in a small bowl I scraped the last little bit on Pineapple Jam out - I maybe got a tablespoon - I could have used more!

I added about 1 tsp of  Roast Garlic Jelly

I squeezed almost the whole lemon for all the juice.

I then added some nice olive oil...

 

It still needed a little more punch!  Pixie Chicks Spices!!  Saigon Dreams!!  A perfect fit!

"This lemongrass, cilantro, citrus, brown sugar & red chili love boat will have you lazily drifting down the Saigon River in no time!
Say that fast three times." (from their website)

 

How I did it..... (aka recipe)

 

3 chopped and seeded roma tomatoes

1 large chopped avocado

1/2 English cucumber

1/2 cup chopped red pepper

1 cup fresh romaine or spinach (tear to small pieces)

Dressing...

1 Tablespoon of Pineapple Jam ( I could have used 2 Tablespoons at least)

1 teaspoon Roasted Garlic Jelly

1/4 cup Olive Oil

1 teaspoon Saigon Dreams

Juice from one lemon

 

 

My son and daughter-in-law showed up from camping and I had just finished making this -- I offered it to them - and it was a big hit!  Light and refreshing - perfect for the hot summer day we are having.

 

A nice switch from my go to pasta salad - especially when you have a wonderful avocado and some great local ingredients and products to use!

 

I hope you enjoy it  - and please check out the websites for them and follow them on Facebook!

Mrs. Jones Jams and Pixie Chicks Spices 

 

Of course don't forget to check us out at SweetArt Supplies and on Facebook

 

Gwen