Penne Pasta Salad

I am pretty particular about both Jell-o Salads and Pasta Salads. I guess I have just done too many church potlucks! There are so many mediocre salads out there! (Sorry--but not wrong!) This is one that I had in Texas, many years ago. I did not know the person who made it, and was just not nearly as precocious in my 20's as I am nowadays! LOL...

So, I played around with it for awhile, until I came up with this recipe. I love it enough that I make it at least once a summer and just keep it in the fridge, having it for lunches until it is gone.

Penne Pasta Salad

1 box Penne Pasta, cook for 10 minutes in salted, boiling water. Then drain and run under cold water. Set aside.

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 green onion, chopped

1 can sliced olives, drained

4+ sweet pickles, chopped

1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed into 1/2" pieces

Mix vegetables well and then add penne pasta. Then mix ranch dressing with a little sweet pickle juice to your taste. Pour over the pasta ingredients, adding more as it soaks in, Yumm...