July 4th Celebrations

There is no doubt our Independence Day celebrations will look a little different this year. Huge gatherings at the beach, tons of people gathered to watch fireworks, pools filled to the brim with kids splashing...none of these are the smartest ideas right now. BUT just because our holiday has to be adapted doesn't mean it still can't be fun, festive and delicious!

Our July 4th tradition is definitely one of adaptation this year. See, we are usually on our two week beach vacay for the holiday. We spend the day at the pool, the beach (which is always wall to wall people) and then grill out. For the past several years, that has meant a huge grilled seafood bash! We are talking shrimp, lobster, oysters...some delicious sides....my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

It actually makes me laugh thinking about it because it never fails, when Adam goes to use the grill at the clubhouse for the condo complex, there is someone beside him grilling up burgers and dogs, nothing says July 4th more. Then they look over at Adam's spread and say "Wow. Yeah, can we come eat with you?"

Well, this year, the beach vacation isn't happening, and for the first time since I was pregnant with Max (and for years before that) we will be home for the holiday. However, the seafood bash will continue! I'm already planing the menu, and this year my parents will get to join us, so that's extra fun!

So, are you asking yourself what you can do on the 4th to make sure it feels as normal as possible? You can still have a cookout, even if it's just your family, or maybe just a few extra guests. Pack up the picnic basket and head to a local park to social distance with some yummy food, maybe a frisbee and some sparklers. There are many ways we can still celebrate this great nation of ours, with those we love most, without being in huge groups.

This pasta salad would be perfect for that small cookout, or packed in that picnic basket (or picnic cooler in this case) or to eat on the deck while the kids play in the pool. Or, if you can't wait for the holiday weekend, it's a terrific light supper on a hot day, or lunch all week long!

This is truly an entire meal in one bowl. Pasta, veggies, meat, cheese...it is filled to the brim with goodness and flavor!

However you are planning on celebrating July 4th this year, I hope you find a way to make it special, delicious and maybe even start some new traditions!

Happy Birthday America!!

Italian Pasta Salad

1 lb. spaghetti, cooked to al dente

2 heaping cups fresh spinach

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

1 (5 oz.) jar green olives, drained

1 (2 oz.) can sliced black olives

7 oz. tub sliced hard salami, chopped 

8 oz. block mozzarella cheese, diced

1 (16 oz) jar zesty Italian salad dressing

2 TBS grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt

2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. red pepper flake

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

While pasta cooks, in a medium bowl whisk together dressing, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, red pepper flake, salt and pepper. When pasta is cooked, drain well and allow to sit in colander until steam disappears. Place in a large bowl and pour dressing over. Mix well. Add all other ingredients, except mozzarella cheese. Mix well. Chill for at least 60 minutes. Add cheese. Chill until serving. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Shared at Meal Plan Monday