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Quick Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

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This Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is a refreshing and versatile dish featuring vibrant vegetables, tender pasta, and zesty Italian dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, parties, or as a side dish for any meal. Prepare it ahead of time for the flavors to deepen and become even more delicious the next day.

Ingredients

12 oz rotini or your favorite pasta

1 cup red bell pepper, diced

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly. Drain well.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, chop the vegetables – red bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
  4. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. For best results, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy chilled!

Notes

  • For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, salami, or pepperoni.
  • For a vegetarian option, skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • For a spicy twist, use spicy Italian dressing or add sliced jalapeños.

Nutrition

Find it online: http://recipesbyjanet.com/quick-italian-dressing-pasta-salad/