Even as a child growing up in my parents home some of the best memories were created around the kitchen table. From my parents kitchen table, to my granny Dorie’s to my grandparents in Oklahoma. More times than not we didn’t have fancy meals just down-home cooking from the heart with a lot of love.

Sometimes they were a quick dinner after a long day. Sometimes they are a bowl of something simple shared during a busy week. Sometimes they are recipes that have been made so many times that everyone knows exactly what to expect because in our home food has a way of bringing people together.

As families prepare for a new school year, life can get busy quickly. Between school schedules, activities, work, and everything else that fills our calendars, having simple meals ready can make a big difference. Over the years, I have learned that feeding a family is not about making the perfect meal every night.

It is about creating moments. It is about sitting together when we can. It is about making something that people enjoy. It is about knowing that even a simple recipe can become part of a family memory. I wanted to let you know one recipe that has always been perfect for busy days, family gatherings, and summer evenings is a classic pasta salad.

Why Pasta Salad Is a Family Favorite

Pasta salad is one of those recipes that can be changed depending on what your family likes and what you have available.

It works for:

• Backyard gatherings
• Lunches
• Picnics
• Potlucks
• Busy weeknight meals
• Back-to-school preparation

It can be made ahead of time, which means one less thing to worry about when the day gets busy. That is why this recipe is a God send for my family.

Classic Summer Pasta Salad

This recipe is simple, colorful, and easy for families to customize.

Ingredients

• 1 box rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half which my family will not use
• 1 cucumber, chopped again not something we use
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped I might be able to sneak this in
• 1 cup shredded cheese or cubed cheese
• 1 cup sliced olives (optional) not for me but I will add them for David
• Italian dressing, to taste but Ranch for C
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Drain and allow pasta to cool.

Add vegetables, cheese, and any additional ingredients your family enjoys.

Pour Italian dressing over the mixture and stir gently.

Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving so the flavors can blend together.

Serve cold and enjoy.

Making Meals Easier During Busy Seasons

The secret to easier family meals is planning ahead by keeping simple ingredients available. Make larger portions when possible. Use leftovers creatively. Find recipes your family actually enjoys because a meal does not have to take hours to show your family you care. Sometimes the simplest meals become the ones everyone remembers.

Creating Moments Around Food

For me some of my favorite memories are not about what was served. They were about who was there and the conversations. The laughter. The stories shared. The feeling of sitting together. Those are the moments that stay with us. As we move into a busy season of school, schedules, and everyday life, remember that food is not just about filling plates.

It is about filling hearts whether you’re making a simple pasta salad, packing lunches, or gathering everyone around the table for dinner, you are creating memories and those little moments become the big memories.

Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates