Sea Shell Pasta Salad or Wheelie Pasta Salad

This recipe was designed with children in mind, for parties, potlucks and picnics. You can add other veggies to the salad that your child/ren enjoys. This is a great side dish for a themed “Under the Sea” or pool party. Pasta shells, crunch veggies and cheese cut into star or fish shapes create a side dish loved by backyard sailors.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 6  ounces medium pasta shells (2 cups) or 6  ounces  wagon wheel macaroni (2 cups)
• 2  small carrots, thinly bias-sliced
• 1  medium cucumber, seeded and shredded
• 1  medium yellow sweet pepper, cut in very small triangles
• 1⁄3-1⁄2 cup  Italian salad dressing
• 4  ounces mild cheddar cheese or 4  ounces American cheese or 4  ounces  child's favorite cheese

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain again.
3. Combine pasta, carrots, cucumber and pepper.
4. Add dressing and toss to coat.
5. Chill for 1 to 4 hours.
6. Use a small star or fish shaped cutter to cut cheese slices into small stars (or cube).
7. Toss in salad before serving.