Summer Spaghetti

Summer is definitely my most favorite time of the year for plenty of reasons but the best reason is the farmer market. Who else lives for the farmer markets? If you're from DC, then you definitely know someone who spends one of their weekend mornings going to yoga and then heads straight for the farmer market for those fresh goods. I'm sometimes that person. Most times, I'll just go straight to where the food is at if I'm being honest. Bonus points if you're that person too. 

Here's something easy and delicious that I whipped up the other night using the vegetables I got at the market. It is the perfect picnic dish if you're into the whole pack-a-basket-and-blanket-and-lay-out-with-someone-you-like deal. If that sounds like something that interests you then keep on reading! 

Summer Spaghetti

1 green bell pepper diced

1 red bell pepper diced

1 cucumber diced

2 zucchinis (on the smaller side) diced

1 onion diced

1 pint of grape tomatoes chopped in half

1 lb of spaghetti 

For the dressing: 

1 bottle (16oz) Italian salad dressing

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp paprika 

1/2 tsp garlic powder

OR

*If you want to make your own zesty Italian dressing, here is how I make mine:

3 tbsp white wine vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil 

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2  tsp thyme 

1/2 tsp basil

1/2 tsp oregano 

1 clove finely minced garlic

pinch of salt and pepper 

Mix all ingredients in jar and shake well. And ta-da! Your own zesty Italian dressing! 

Cook pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and rinse in cold water. Dice vegetables then add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, green and red bell peppers, and onion in a large bowl. 

Whisk together Italian salad dressing, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and garlic powder. Pour over salad and toss until coated.

And that's it! It's so simple and so good that it would be a crime not to make it for someone you love. So go on, make your stomach happy and love some people.