A Very Special Place: This Month's Activity

“Preparing a Pasta Salad”

Presented by the Consumers and Staff at the Great Kills Day Treatment

Pasta Salad is a healthy and great tasting addition to any meal. As the warm weather approaches a cold salad on a warm day really hits the spot. Pasta salad is also great if you are planning a picnic lunch or a backyard barbeque. So if you are planning a to invite your friends and family to join you on a picnic or if you have been invited to a barbeque, get cooking and bring a Pasta Salad!

Before you start this recipe, read through the entire activity and be certain to get the help you need. Check the list of supplies needed to make sure that you have all the ingredients. If you don't care for the vegetables listed in the recipe, you can always substitute them with other vegetables that you like. Have fun and enjoy!!!

Supplies and Items Needed:

Large pot	1 red onion
Mixing Bowl	1 small can of olives (green or black)
Wooden spoon	1/2 cup Mayonnaise
Colander	2 lb. Pasta (ziti, rigatoni, etc.)
1 lb. Broccoli	1/2 teaspoon salt (salt substitute- Mrs. Dash)
3 large carrots	Cutting Board
Peeler	Knife

Step 1: Make a shopping list of the items needed for your salad. If you need help with the list ask a friend or family member for assistance. Look through a supermarket flyer for sales or coupons for the items in your recipe. Then ask a family member/ friend to assist you with getting to the grocery store to purchase the items on your list.

Step 2: Once all items have been purchased, set up a work area in the kitchen to prepare the food. Remember to wash your hands first and always follow safety precautions when using a knife and around the stove. Take out a large pot, mixing bowl, wooden spoon, and a colander. Fill large pot ¾ full with water, a pinch of salt, and two drops of olive oil. Let the water come to a boil in the pot.

	Step 3: While the water is boiling bring the vegetables to the sink, place them in the colander and clean them with cold water. Then using your peeler and knife, peel and cut the vegetables into bite-size pieces. You may need assistance with this so ask a family member or friend to assist you. Place the cut vegetables into the mixing bowl.
	Step 4: At this time take your knife and dice the red onion. Once the onion is diced place the pieces into the mixing bowl. At this time you can also cut up the olives if you choose to do so. Some people like them whole while other liked them chopped. This is your salad; you choose how you would like the olives.
	Step 5: Once your water has come to a boil pour in the 2lbs of pasta. While the pasta is cooking take the large wooden spoon and stir the pasta so it does not stick together. Cook the pasta until it is tender, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked pour into the colander to drain off the excess water.
	Step 6: Once the pasta has drained and cooled off, pour it in mixing bowl with the vegetables, onion and olives. Then mix them together. After you have mixed all the items add ½ cup of mayonnaise and the salt and pepper. With the large wooden spoon mix all ingredients. At this time you can cover the salad with Saran wrap and place it into the refrigerator for at least an hour so it can get cold. Congratulations! You now have a great side dish to have at your picnic or to bring to a barbeque. Enjoy!