Just in time for summer BBQ season is this super side. Just a few ingredients come together for a simple pasta salad that is packed with flavor. Lime, avocado and cilantro add a little southwest flair.

Avocado And Artichoke Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked gemelli pasta
1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
Dressing (recipe follows)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.

2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, avocado and cheese.

3. Pour dressing over pasta mixture. Mix gently to combine. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.

Serves 10

Dressing

Ingredients:

1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime peel
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients.

Recipes from Taste of Home Magazine

My daughter graduates from high school today. There aren’t enough tissues in Vermont to get me through the ceremony (and the countdown to her leaving for college in August).

My girl is a lot of things, but sentimental really isn’t one of them. So, no sappy songs will do. This little ditty is just fine. (The album has 15 remixes of the same song. lol. It’s a headbanger if you listen all in one sitting, kind of like that Flintstones “Happy Anniversary” song.)

“Happy Graduation to You!

No more books to read
No more tests to take
We’re so very proud of you
Today you graduate!”

‘Happy Graduation’ is performed by Happy Graduation. You can buy the music on Bandcamp.

Cheers!