SPICY TUNA PASTA SALAD

My family loves salads and pasta salad is always a favorite in my home. This Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad recipe is good by itself or with a meal. Great to take to pot lucks, too. I like it for lunch and it keeps for several days in the fridge.

• 3 cups rotini pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions (could use macaroni or shell pasta, too)
• 2 boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 small green pepper, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped onion or 3 or 4 green onions
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 large firm tomato, chopped
• 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 1 (1 ounce) package Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch Dressing Mix (If you don’t like spicy try the original ranch)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cayenne, Optional
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (could use Miracle Whip, too)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese of your choice, Optional

In a large mixing bowl combine pasta, eggs, green pepper, onion, cucumber, tomato and tuna. Mix together the sour cream, dry spicy ranch dressing, black pepper, salt, cayenne and mayonnaise. Combine with salad ingredients. Fold in cheese. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. Makes 10 to 12 servings. Enjoy!

Note: You can make this salad using ham, chicken or any meat you like, too.

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