My version of pasta salad!
12 oz garden ruffles pasta (or I use colored rotini) 1/2 block cubed extra sharp cheddar cheese, diced mini sweet peppers, cubed pepperoni and salami, diced onion and zesty Italian dressing! Add parsley, salt and pepper to your liking. Always a big hit
Ingredients:
- 12 oz garden ruffles pasta or colored rotini
- 1/2 block extra sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- Mini sweet peppers, cubed
- Pepperoni, diced
- Salami, diced
- Onion, diced
- Zesty Italian dressing
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the garden ruffles pasta or colored rotini according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cube the extra sharp cheddar cheese.
- Cube the mini sweet peppers, dice the pepperoni and salami, and finely chop the onion.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cubed cheddar cheese, mini sweet peppers, diced pepperoni and salami, and chopped onion.
- Add Zesty Italian Dressing:
- Pour enough zesty Italian dressing over the pasta mixture to coat everything evenly. Start with about 1 cup and adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Season with Herbs and Spices:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salad for a burst of freshness.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the dressing may already contain some salt, so adjust accordingly.
- Toss and Refrigerate:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve:
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss. You can add a bit more dressing if needed.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious and colorful pasta salad!
This pasta salad is versatile, and you can customize it further by adding other favorite ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, or cucumber if desired. It’s a great dish for picnics, potlucks, or as a side for any meal.
