Seeking summer southern comfort food . . . and we found it! More like we rediscovered one of our favorite recipes from years past. It all began in the 80’s. Our friend, Polly Cook Williams made this pasta salad for all of her bridal showers, baby showers, and parties. It was always the hit of the party and loved by all. So when we requested her recipe, we were grateful when Polly shared her recipe. Polly’s Pasta Salad.

Immediately, it became a favorite recipe. And I began serving it for my parties too. 

When my children were toddlers, I carried on the tradition of Polly’s Pasta Salad and made it for our picnics, trips to the beach, and summer meals. Although they all enjoyed it, Catherine was especially fond of it. So it was no surprise when she recently requested the recipe. Not to be found anywhere in my collection of recipes and recipe box, my frantic search led us to a phone call with Polly. Within an hour, she had retrieved her recipe and forwarded it to us.

A hasty dash to our local grocery store for the list of ingredients . . . followed by unloading the groceries, simultaneously putting on a big pot of water for the pasta. Next, pasta cooking, vegetable chopping, cheese grating, basil mincing . . . finally tossing the pasta salad. Much to our delight the result was a blast from the past with this delicious southern comfort food!

In her creative pursuit, Catherine made a few modifications to the original recipe. Both recipe versions are delicious and comforting!

So if you are seeking summer comfort food . . . here’s the perfect recipe for you!

Thanks, Polly :- )

Pasta Salad

Always a great pasta salad to serve for parties and picnics!

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 box spiral pasta
  • 2 red peppers, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 1 can baby corn
  • 1 jar pimentos, drained
  • 1 pound cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 bottle Caesar salad dressing
  • 1 bunch fresh basil, julienned
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cool pasts according to the instructions, drain. Toss with desired amount of Caesar salad dressing.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, while pasta is steaming hot, stir in shredded cheese.

  3. After incorporating cheese as evenly as possible( it will not be perfect) add the rest of the ingredients and stir until mixed evenly.

  4. Enjoy immediately while hot, or cool and store in the refrigerator to serve cold!

Source: Red bowl available at Nicholson Hardie