broccoli vegetarian pasta salad

Hot days drive your desire for cooler foods. Here's a salad that you make your very own way. As a vegetarian I of course took the vegetarian route. But you can use chicken breast if you choose. You can substitute other vegetables, such as rainbow peppers, tomatoes, and cucumber.

2 cups tri-color rotini uncooked (cook al dente)

1 cup vegetarian (meatless chicken) strips (about 4-5 pieces)

1-2 cups broccoli cut in pieces steamed (1-2 minutes)

1 T minced garlic

2 T diced red onion

2 T diced celery

1 T minced carrot

¼ c sharp cheddar cheese

Salt, dill weed, black pepper, bacos, and parsley to taste

Preparation. Sautee strips in garlic, cool, then slightly pulse in food chopper.  Mix ingredients. Season to your taste. Chill. Serve with Vegetable Crackers.

You can use coleslaw dressing to your desired taste or make your own.

Dressing:

3 T mayo/salad dressing

1 T sour cream

1 T Caesar Dressing

1 T acv

1 T sugar

1 t honey

dill weed, black pepper