Receta Easy Vegetable Pasta Salad
I don't know if any of you are familiar with the PT
(Physical Training) tests in the military and how/what they are.
They are physical fitness tests given out to
military service members every year.
Each military branch conducts the test differently.
We are Air Force so if the service member makes a score
of 89.9 or above, they only have to take the test once a year.
If their score is 75-89.8, they have to take it
every six months. If their score is lower then 75,
then they have to take it again in 90 days.
If you have a low score (i.e. below 75) then you more
then likely will go on what they call 'the fat boy' program,
(I did not give it that name, it's something I have heard
it being called over the years of being a military spouse)
which is basically 90 days of intense physical fitness training
and healthy eating, mandated by the military.
Nobody, and I mean nobody, wants to go on
the fat boy program, including Husband Man. When PT test time
rolls around, this family feels it. We rarely see him due
to how many hours he spends exercising during the week.
And the food? Well…let me just say this….
it is very tough being a food blogger around PT Test time!
This recipe came across my lap during one of his tests
many, many, many moons ago.
It has vegetables, pasta, and just the right amount of
seasonings to not make you feel like you
are eating cardboard or bland food.
When his tests are over, everyone in the house
breathes a sigh of relief…
at least until the next one comes along ;)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of rotini pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup Italian Dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
Directions:
1. In a large sauce pan, cook pasta as directed on package.
2. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add in the broccoli florets. When finished, drain noodles and broccoli.
3. In a big bowl, combine noodles, broccoli, tomatoes, olives, Italian Dressing, and Parmesan Cheese.
4. Stir until well blended and mixed. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
**Libby's Notes: Change it up a bit and use different types of cheese. You can also add sliced red onions, chopped green onions, boiled eggs, etc. The sky is the limit. This is good when served hot or cold.