spaghetti salad

it has started. the beginning of the back yard bbq's.

i love summer. i love bbq's. it's a great excuse to come out of the winter hibernation and rekindle friendships that were set aside over the colds months.

we had a neighborhood bbq today. how fantastic is that? an entire neighborhood! there were kids roaming all around. swinging on swings. jumping on trampolines. spraying the adults with water from the garden hose. there were friendships being made. new friends and old, coming together over food and simple conversation.

i love summer!

the next time you are invited to a bbq, or anywhere for that matter...take this little doozie along. it tastes fabulous. it's easy to make. it's free of mayo, so it's perfectly fine to sit out during those hot summer days. and did i mention that it tastes great!?!

spaghetti salad

1 lb spaghetti noodles

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

4 roma tomatoes, seeded and sliced

2 cucumbers, seeded and sliced

2 tbl italian seasoning

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 bottle italian dressing (i use newman's own balsamic vinaigrette)

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

break up spaghetti into 2 inch pieces. cook according to package direction. drain and cool under cold water. pat dry. slice up vegetables. add spaghetti and vegetables to a large bowl. mix in remaining ingredients. stir and chill until ready to serve.