Zesty Pasta Salad
Zesty Pasta Salad
Zesty Pasta Salad
Pasta salad -- so very versatile and makes the perfect side for almost everything. This pasta salad is hearty enough to be a stand alone meal. It is a blend of color as well as flavor and not only looks pretty, but tastes spectacular. Pasta salads are as unique as the person making it. Pasta lends itself to creative sauces and dressing and it pairs well with so many different added ingredients. This is not a creamy pasta salad, it is more an oil and vinegar based dish. The flavors blend together well and the longer it chills in the refrigerator, the better it tastes. Hope you decide to give this salad a try.
Zesty Pasta Salad
Cook Time
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ready in: 50 min
Yields: Several servings.
Ingredients
- 1 12oz box tri-color rotini pasta, cooked
- 1 envelope dry zesty italian dressing mix, prepared by directions
- 1 5 oz pack mini pepperoni
- 4-8 oz feta crumbles or shredded parmesian cheese
- 2.25 oz can black olives, sliced
- 1 jar pepperochini peppers, sliced and drained, i add about half a jar
Zesty Pasta Salad
- Add pasta to a large pot of boiling water. Cook until tender but still firm (about 15-20 minutes).
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the zesty Italian dressing mix according to package directions (usually requires a mixture of oil, vinegar, and water) in a cruet or container with a lid. Add an additional 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp of juice from the pepperochinis. Shake together well.
- When pasta is done, drain it and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Add the mini pepperonis, the peppers, the olives, and the cheese crumbles and/or shreds. Pour the zesty dressing mix on top and mix together. Can be served warm but the flavors are more robust and intense when served chilled. Enjoy!
