When I think “summer,” I think of cookouts, going to the park and the pool, traveling, and potlucks. Summer food preparation, in my mind, needs to be quick and simple. No afternoons spent stirring away at the stove for me!
For us, summer is a blur of activity, and I find myself needing some amazing dishes up my sleeve that I can whip up quickly when time runs short. Did I mention that these recipes also need to avoid heating up the house? I am on strike from my oven right now! Examples that work well for us: tacos, BBQ chicken, veggie burgers, and pasta salads.
For summer dishes, I shoot for 20 minutes of cooking or less. Examples that work well for us: tacos, BBQ chicken, veggie burgers, and pasta salads.
A friend told me about this pasta salad recipe many years ago. I have made it every year since then, and I love its simplicity. It has three ingredients: Brianna’s Poppyseed dressing, a cucumber, and whole grain pasta. This is my favorite pasta to use because it is organic, affordable, tastes great, and only contains 1 ingredient!
These flavors come together so well. The salad has a mild, slightly sweet flavor from the dressing, while the cucumber adds a fresh taste and crisp texture.
If you are serving this at home, pair it with fish, grilled bbq chicken, smoked ribs, pork chops, and the list goes on!
If you need a dish to take with you to a potluck cookout, this is it! Every time I have taken it to a potluck, it goes quickly. I hardly ever bring home leftovers! And the very best part? It only takes 20 minutes to make!
Comment below: what is your favorite dish to take to a summer potluck?
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- 1 bottle Brianna's Poppyseed Dressing
- 1 medium cucumber
- 16 oz bag whole grain pasta
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, peel and slice cucumber. I like to cut the cucumber slices into quarters for smaller bites.
- Once pasta is done, drain and place into a large bowl.
- Open dressing and pour the contents of the bottle into the pasta.
- Add cucumber slices.
- Mix together thoroughly. Serve immediately.
- Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 1 week.
- If you prefer a more dry pasta salad, simply reduce the amount of dressing you use.
- I like to use bowtie pasta, but feel free to use whatever pasta you prefer or have on hand.
Elise Cohen Ho says
I love to have easy and quick ideas on hand. It helps a great deal.
Valerie lerma says
yummy never knew about this recipe it looks yummy. going to try to make this
Kelly says
Looks like a super easy, yummy summer salad. I will have to try this. Thanks.
Heather says
You’re welcome, Kelly! I hope you love it as much as we do!
Linda Manns Linneman says
This sounds so good and easy to make. I will be making this for our next cookout. Thank you for sharing
Heather says
You’re welcome, Linda! I hope you love it as much as we do!