Lazy Day Pasta Salad

A No-Fuss Pasta Salad Recipe Invented By Ellen's Bestie

This recipe comes from Ellen's annual girls' trip story, where the lazy day lunch is just as much a tradition as the trip itself.

Photo by zoeytoja/Adobe Stock

Whether you're throwing something together mid-vacation or planning ahead for a group meal, this Lazy Day Pasta Salad recipe is the one everyone asks for. This recipe was invented by my bestie Rachel one weekend at a beachside rental in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. We called it "Puerto Rican Pasta Salad" for years, mostly because that is where it originated. It's pretty simple but delicious.

Notes

The caramelized onions is what brings the flavor, so don't skip. Make sure they are fully cooled before stirring in so they don't wilt everything else. Any short pasta works, but we typically use rotini, penne, or bowties. Gluten-free pastas work great too.

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Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (your choice)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 sweet peppers, chopped

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 4 ounces hard cheese, cubed or shredded

• 1/2 cup Italian dressing

• A pinch salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil 12 ounces pasta (your choice) to al dente and drain.

2. Caramelize the onions: While pasta cooks, caramelize 1 onion, chopped on the stovetop and allow to cool.

3. Combine: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with 2 sweet peppers, chopped, 1 tomato, chopped, and 4 ounces hard cheese, cubed or shredded.

4. Dress it: Add the Italian dressing and toss to coat.

5. Mix it all: Stir in the cooled caramelized onions.

   
   

   Finish with a pinch salt and pepper to taste and watch it disappear!