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Home » Italian Pasta Salad and 10 Tips to Beat the Heat!

Italian Pasta Salad and 10 Tips to Beat the Heat!

06/02/15 | Dinner Recipes, Project Envolve, Recipes, Uncategorized


“This a sponsored post on behalf of Project Envolve, a division of PPL Electric.  As always my opinions are 100% my own.” #GetEnvolved #ProjectEnvolve

And just like that…it is summer-like weather in PA again and I love it! I find it much easier to cool off in the summer than warm up in winter, you just have to know how to do it the right way so you can be energy efficient and not end up paying a fortune in electric bills.

I know I have mentioned this before but I live in an older house that does not have air conditioning, in fact many of my windows on my first floor don’t even open so we are always looking for ways to cool down the house.


When the weather is summer like one of the things I do is stop using my stove for cooking–and yes, we do still eat!  I just start using my grill or I cook early in the day when it is cooler.  I will often cook food in batches and then put them in my fridge or freezer to pull out later that day or even later that week.  We also have simple suppers, like my daughter’s favorite Italian Pasta Salad.

Italian Pasta Salad

Scroll to the bottom of this post for the Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Top 10 Ways to beat the heat this summer:

1. Clean or change AC filters once a month: This tip will keep your air conditioner functioning at its best. The better it can breathe, the more efficiently it can keep your home cool. If you use a room air conditioner, avoid placing any appliance nearby that would generate heat, such as lamps, a computer ora television. The extra heat may interfere with the air conditioner’s thermostat.

2. Switch out your light bulbs – Install LED lights because they produce light without generating extra heat, unlike more traditional incandescent bulbs. They also use less electricity and can last for more than 20 years.  Did you know that you will use up to 90% less energy and save over $80 over the bulbs lifetime? And the more bulbs you switch the more you save!

3. Use the wind-chill factor – Try using a portable fan to blow cooler air toward your face or feet. Also, don’t forget to turn your ceiling fan off when you leave the room. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms.

4. Save it for later – Feel like procrastinating on some of those household tasks? Now you have good reason to. Wait to do heat- producing tasks like baking, using the dishwasher and doing the laundry until cooler hours like late afternoons and evenings.

5. Use windows and blinds to your advantage – Open your windows to let in the cooler air at night. Close your blinds or curtains during the day to keep sunlight from heating up the air inside your house. Have you tried insulated or blackout curtains? They do a terrific job keeping the sun at bay.

6. Get low – When it’s really hot out, try hanging out in the basement or lowest floor in your home. You’ll stay cool as your home’s cold air naturally sinks to your level.

7. Program your thermostat – When no one is home, why waste energy cooling your home? Program your thermostat to a higher temperature when the house is empty. You can save about 1-3 percent per degree, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

8. Keep air vents clear – Chances are, somewhere in your house a vent is being partially blocked by furniture or drapery. Take a few minutes to rearrange your furniture so that all vents are exposed for maximum efficiency, or install vent deflectors. They’re inexpensive and will redirect the air flow around obstructions.

9. Switch up how you cook – Avoid using the oven because it can turn your house into an oven. Instead, step outside and use your grill. Or, use the microwave or a slow cooker. Better yet, try meals and snacks that don’t require cooking, like a refreshing salad or a Pop Couture Pop.

10. Seal it up — Make sure cracks and gaps around doors and windows are sealed. Just as you don’t want to let cold air into your home in winter, you also don’t want to let warm air in during the summer.

I hope this helps you understand that by making a few easy changes you can save money all summer long!

 

Project Envolve--a division of PPL Electric Utilities

For additional information about Project Envolve or to see how the other Project Envolve bloggers are staying cool please visit the Project Envolve website here and check out the PPL Electric Utilities Pinterest board here.

4.8 from 5 reviews
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Italian Pasta Salad
Author: Megan
Recipe type: Easy Meals
 
This Italian Pasta Salad is a cinch to make and tastes great! It is perfect as a meal by itself or as a light dinner on a hot night.
Ingredients
  • 1 box spiral noodles
  • ½ bottle Italian dressing
  • 4 oz hard cheese
  • ½ stick hard pepperoni
  • Salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Cook noodles according to directions and drain well. Place in large bowl. Cut cheese and pepperoni into cubes and add to pasta dish. Add salad dressing and mix well.
  2. Note: If you are making the Italian Pasta Salad ahead of time you will need to add some additional dressing prior to serving as the noodles will absorb the dressing.
  3. Serve warm or cold
3.3.3074
  • Mission2_Infographic

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Comments | 39 comments

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Comments

  1. jsalabsky@gmail.com'Jennifer at Making Our Life Matter says

    June 2, 2015 at 8:54 am

    I love pasta salad! It is the perfect meal to keep you cool during a hot summer!

    Reply
  2. massmommie@gmail.com'Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    June 4, 2015 at 8:31 am

    That sounds so good. I can’;t wait to try this.

    Reply
    • mgalko says

      June 4, 2015 at 3:49 pm

      It is the perfect summertime meal! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  3. 06lisam@gmail.com'lisa says

    June 4, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    These are all great tips for the summer. I love a good pasta salad so I look forward to making this!

    Reply
    • mgalko says

      June 4, 2015 at 3:50 pm

      Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

      Reply
  4. Rebeccabryant562@hotmail.com'becca says

    June 4, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    We are all about saving money. We are those people who keep the AC set at one temp.

    Reply
    • mgalko says

      June 4, 2015 at 3:51 pm

      Hope these tips help you save some more money this summer!

      Reply
  5. acowboyslife@outlook.com'Chastity says

    June 4, 2015 at 4:59 pm

    Pasta salad is my go-to lunch in the summer. Make a big batch at the start of the week and I have lunch without having to turn on the stove!

    Reply
  6. cthdesigns@comcast.net'maria @closetohome says

    June 4, 2015 at 6:48 pm

    I love making pasta salad in the summer for pasta night, too hot for the real thing

    Reply
  7. sixtimemommy@gmail.com'Jeanine says

    June 4, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    Yum! That looks delicious.. I love pasta salads and summer just so I can have more pasta salads out in the backyard while we grill!

    Reply
  8. kumagaisensei@yahoo.com'Bri says

    June 4, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    I have to give switching out my light bulbs a try. Pasta salad makes a great summer time meal.

    Reply
  9. info@ourfamilyworld.com'ourfamilyworld says

    June 4, 2015 at 8:03 pm

    Those are amazing tips. I avoid using the oven and BBQ as much as i can.

    Reply
  10. debdenny@centurytel.net'Debbie Denny says

    June 4, 2015 at 8:09 pm

    These are great tips. Love the pasta.

    Reply
  11. alifefromscratch@gmail.com'Courtney says

    June 4, 2015 at 8:59 pm

    These are great tips! And pasta salad is one of my favorite summertime dishes. I like to make a big bowl in advance and it tastes even better in the following days as all the flavors meld. Then you’re only heating up the kitchen once! 🙂

    Reply
  12. char@nikolainuthouse.com'Char says

    June 4, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    Pasta salad is my go to dinner for crazy busy summer nights! Love!!

    Reply
  13. hautepeople@yahoo.com'Lorane says

    June 4, 2015 at 11:34 pm

    The Pasta looks really good! I like the energy saving tips. The electric bill seems to be more during the summer since everyone is home

    Reply
  14. loisaltermark@gmail.com'Lois Alter Mark says

    June 4, 2015 at 11:53 pm

    That pasta salad looks delicious! I love all kinds of salad for summer!

    Reply
  15. newmearth@yahoo.com'Lisa Nolan says

    June 5, 2015 at 12:10 am

    I think we will try pasta salads! Perfect for warm summer evenings! This recipe looks yummy!

    Reply
  16. toxict15@gmail.com'Laura funk says

    June 5, 2015 at 12:59 am

    We did not insulate our basement purposely. It can get super hot in CO and our basement is always nice and cool

    Reply
  17. fidoseofreality@gmail.com'Carol Bryant says

    June 5, 2015 at 1:36 am

    Hi there and I am from NEPA, too – sounds like a delish recipe. And the temps are going to be heating up!

    Reply
  18. soariongplaces@gmail.com'Rosey says

    June 5, 2015 at 5:43 am

    Ah, now that’s a good looking pasta salad. It would be perfect for summer barbeques and family gatherings for sure.

    Reply
  19. wendykate99@yahoo.com'Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says

    June 5, 2015 at 8:40 am

    Pasta salad is a great dinner for hot days, and I love it especially because the kids will eat it without trouble! Keeping that bill down is tough, but it’s amazing how much these little tricks and tips can add up.

    Reply
  20. mrskcanino@gmail.com'karen says

    June 5, 2015 at 9:39 am

    we love pasta salads in the summer…a great way to eat and keep the kitchen cool. Thanks! Stopping by from #LetsGetRealFridayParty

    Reply
  21. SoireeEvents@me.com'Tonya C says

    June 5, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Pasta salads are my all time favorite foods to eat in the summer. Thanks for the recipe. I’ll be adding this one to my collection.

    Reply
  22. lavender00112@gmail.com'Emerald says

    June 5, 2015 at 3:41 pm

    Thanks for the tips and the lovely pasta salad recipe!

    Reply
  23. bonbonrosegirls@gmail.com'Kristin says

    June 6, 2015 at 12:15 am

    This pasta salad belongs on our barbecue menu for the weekend!

    Reply
  24. annie@stowedstuff.com'Annie {Stowed Stuff} says

    June 6, 2015 at 9:30 am

    That pasta salad looks great for a summer cookout!

    Reply
  25. queenofthewilsonhousehold@gmail.com'Emily says

    June 6, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    Pasta salad is always one of my favorite dishes during the summer. This one looks delish! Great tips for beating the heat. Living in Florida, it gets really hot during the day. But keeping the blinds and curtains closed really does make a difference at keeping it cool.

    Reply
  26. britta.lafont@gmail.com'Britta says

    June 11, 2015 at 11:17 am

    I haven’t made a pasta salad in years—this one is like the kind I see at baby or bridal showers all the time (and I always put some on my plate!). My daughter LOVES pasta salad, so I think this would be a great thing to have in the fridge for summer lunch too! Your post was selected this week for Family Fun Friday as a featured recipe 🙂 Stop by brittalafont.com (recipe hostess) later today to grab your “I was featured” button. Already pinned it!

    Reply
  27. Recipetreasuresblog@gmail.com'Amy says

    April 20, 2017 at 1:40 am

    I love pasta salad and am always looking for new recipes. I can’t wait to try this one. Thank you for sharing at Think Tank Thursday link party.

    Reply
  28. cghaley@comcast.net'Carolyn says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:36 pm

    I have such a weakness for a good Pasta Salad. This one sounds soooooo easy. I will be making this soon.

    Carolyn/A Southerner’s Notebook

    Reply
  29. mizhelenadams@gmail.com'Miz Helen says

    April 25, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    We love Italian Pasta Salad, it looks like a great recipe! Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
  30. ambientwares@gmail.com'Angie ~ ambient wares says

    April 25, 2017 at 8:15 pm

    The pasta salad sounds yummy and the tips are great! I need to start turning the fans off when we leave. Good to know! Thanks for sharing with us at Funtastic Friday!

    Reply
  31. kriskamarie@gmail.com'Kriska Marie says

    May 1, 2017 at 6:14 am

    Love how simple this is but looks so yummy! Thank you for sharing it over at Food Friday! Oh, and thanks for the tips! 😀

    Reply
  32. vanessa@diy180.com'Vanessa says

    May 16, 2017 at 12:54 pm

    I love easy salads to make during the summer and this looks amazing. Thank you for sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Family Fun Friday: Simple Summer Meals | Britta Lafont says:
    June 11, 2015 at 4:01 pm

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Hi I’m Megan, thanks for stopping by! Good Food and Family Fun is a trusted online destination for busy moms and dads looking for the very best in family friendly recipes, product reviews, travel tips and more.

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