Sweet Sour Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is easily my favorite. I originally picked up this recipe from a cooking magazine many years ago, but I have since seen this recipe featured in a local restaurant's recipe book. This salad served with Breaded Ranch Chicken is my husband's favorite meal!

1 package (15-oz.) tricolor spiral pasta
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
1 green pepper, chopped

Dressing:
1 ½ c sugar
½ c vinegar
1 T mustard
1 t salt, optional
1 t garlic powder

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Place in a large serving bowl. Add the onion, tomato, green pepper, cucumber and parsley; set aside. In a saucepan, combine the dressing ingredients. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon.