Mmm, Pasta! A recipe and my "Pasta Personality" #Carrabbas

In my house, we love pasta. Almost any kind of pasta is welcomed by my family. Lately, because it is has been so warm outside, we have enjoyed pasta salad. It is delicious, nutritious, and importantly it is so simple to make! This pasta salad is also a great dish to take to potlucks! I hope that if you try this pasta salad, your family enjoys it as much as mine does!!

Italian-Style Pasta Salad

Ronzoni Garden Delight Rotini - 12 ounce box

2 carrots - julienned

1-2 rib(s) of celery sliced - thin

1/2 can of baby corn - cut into pieces

1/2 cucumber - cut into slices, then cut in half

1/2 pound of cherry tomatoes - cut in half

Your choice of Italian Dressing - to taste

Cook the pasta to el dente, add vegetables and mix. Add dressing (as much or little as you like) and toss to coat. You could top with some fresh grated Parmesan cheese too!

My husband seems to think it would be even better with a little red/purple onion in it...that may be the case, but I can't stand raw onions so I will probably never make it that way!!

Carrabba's is an Italian restaurant that makes every pasta dish by hand! There are more than 230 Carrabba's restaurants nationwide, you can find the one nearest you here. Right now, on the Carrabba's Facebook page, you can take the Pasta Personality Quiz to see which of Carraba's Signature Pasta meals best fits your personality.
So I found the Pasta Personality Quiz that is on Carrabba's Facebook page a little silly and fun! My results...well, my pasta personality is Spaghetti! (I do like spaghetti by the way!)

You’re genuine and well loved, like Carrabba’s Spaghetti and Meatballs. Your warm and comforting personality makes you everybody’s best friend. So go for our equally popular hand-prepared meatballs over perfectly cooked imported spaghetti.

Here are some of the Carrabba's specials right now, they all sound divine! These specials are all good through July 2011!

Featured Signature Pasta Meal:

Pasto Rambo – Named for the chef who created it, it’s made with shrimp tossed with imported Italian linguine, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes sautéed in our basil lemon butter sauce. Lobster is available instead of shrimp for an additional cost.


Other Limited Time Offers:
Parmesan-crusted Chicken – Topped with fresh arugula and grape tomatoes tossed in a hand-prepared lemon vinaigrette, served with choice of side. Substitution of wood-grilled chicken also available. Pairs well with Estancia Pinot Grigio.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin – Three pork tenderloin medallions wrapped with prosciutto, wood-grilled and topped with an apple and fig infused port wine sauce, served with the vegetable of the day. Pairs well with Coppola Pinot Noir.
Limoncello Bread Pudding – Back by popular demand! Brioche bread pudding made with fresh Madagascar vanilla beans and a rich custard, served hot out of the oven. Topped with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream and drizzled with Carrabba’s homemade Caravella Limoncello liqueur sauce.

Do you and your family have a favorite pasta dish? If so, feel free to share it here, or link to your own post with a recipe!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Carrabba’s blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here