My Creamy Pasta Salad

Summer's coming and that means lots of cold salads to take to your cookouts and 

picnics.  And what's a picnic or barbecue without a favorite pasta salad?  This 

happens to be one of my favorite and it always gets great reviews....or should I say, 

I always take home an empty bowl after every gathering! 

Creamy Pasta Salad

3 cups multi-color rotini pasta, cooked and drained 
1/2 cup kalamata olives
1 cup mayonnaise 
1 (1 ounce) packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing 
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 
1/2 cup milk (more if needed)
1/4 cup shredded carrot
1/2 cup sweet red pepper, chopped fine 
1/2 grated Parmesan cheese 
salt and pepper to taste 

Prepare pasta according to directions. It is important not to overcook your pasta. 

Rinse under cold water and drain very well.  Set aside to cool while you prepare 

the dressing.

In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix and garlic powder. Stir in milk 

until smooth. Add the sweet red pepper and the carrot and mix well.  Slice olives into 

halves and add to salad dressing. 

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

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