cool pasta salad

for a summer picnic or for a spring luncheon, serve this tricolor pasta salad.  i use 2 cups of tricolor spiral pasta and boil as directed on the package.  rinse and cool the noodles before adding the rest of the ingredients.

i add 3/4 can of sliced black olives, 1/2 jar of green pimento stuffed and sliced olives, 2 ribs of celery sliced, about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of deli turkey sliced in smaller pieces, and 1 small cucumber seeded and diced.

any salad dressing could be added before serving.  i have used a peppercorn dressing or a classic Italian vinaigrette.  mix the ingredients well, add the dressing if serving within an hour or so.  serve with crusty bread for a lunch, or with a main entree for dinner.  for presentation, i use larger romaine salad leaves on the plate and add the salad to the center.  Parmesan cheese can be added to the top for serving.