My birthday was last week...happy birthday to me! I used to love my birthday and make it like, a week long extravaganza.  Once, I even claimed all of May to be my birthday month and told my mom I could do what I want all month long.  So, when May started off and I felt like this birthday was going to be a little lackluster (why is it when you get older birthdays aren't as fun?!), I thought to myself, "Hey, what gives?  It's a reason to celebrate and have fun so go for it!".  And so, last week was "Birthday Week" once again.

First, we went to Palm Springs for a weekend, because I wanted to be somewhere that I knew would be warm and sunny.  Bonus that it included a casino, great pool, and shopping.  On my actual birthday we went out to dinner and bowling with friends.  Super fun!

The best part of my birthday week festivities included a semi-surprise party/BBQ.  My oh-so-sweet husband let it slip that we were having a BBQ for my birthday, but kept the details a secret (the semi-surprise part).  I wanted to make something to contribute, while still being able to relax and enjoy our company, so I knew just the thing to make.  My super easy pasta salad. 

I usually look for recipes that are quick and easy because let's face it, most of us do not have ample time to spend in the kitchen.  I love it when a recipe with little work and a few ingredients turns out delish! This recipe did not start out that way.  I saw a recipe on Pinterest that looked so good, but when I saw all of the ingredients, I said forget it.  Determined to make something similar and just as yummy, I came up with this:

Ingredients

•  Small (1 lb) box of orzo pasta, cooked according to directions on the package.
• 1 bottle of Kraft Roasted Red Pepper Italian Dressing
• 1 (8 oz) jar of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup of roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1 cup of Italian parsley, chopped
• 1 (3.8 oz) can of sliced black olives
• 1 (4 oz) pkg feta cheese
• 2 cups shredded parmesan/mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Directions

1. Once cooked, transfer the orzo to a large bowl.  Stir in half the bottle of dressing  and garlic powder and mix well.  Place bowl in the refrigerator until all of the pasta is cooled to about room temperature.
2. Add in the tomatoes, red peppers, parsley, olives, cheeses, and remaining dressing and mix together thoroughly.
3. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

This pasta is so so soooo good.  You can eat it the day you make it, but it just gets better with time.  When you refrigerate it over night, it gives the pasta time to soak up all of the delicious flavors of the dressing and add-ins.  I made it on Saturday for our Sunday BBQ.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

My birthday was wonderful!  My hubby did a great job planning and putting together the BBQ for me.  Spending time with my friends, family, good food, and fun was the perfect way to celebrate!