Tricolored Pasta Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1 box of tricolored pasta
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 package of pepperoni slices
- 1 package of salami slices, diced
- Zesty Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt to taste
- 2 bags of cubed cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Optional: olives, cucumber, carrots, broccoli, or any other desired veggies
Instructions:
- Begin by cooking the tricolored pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water for added flavor. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables and other ingredients. Dice the red pepper, finely chop the red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. If using any additional vegetables like cucumber, carrots, or broccoli, prepare them as well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the diced red pepper, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, pepperoni slices, and diced salami. Add the cubed cheese to the bowl, reserving a handful for garnish.
- If using olives or any other additional veggies, add them to the bowl at this point.
- Pour the desired amount of zesty Italian dressing over the salad ingredients. Start with a small amount and add more as needed, depending on your taste preferences. Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Remember that the pepperoni and salami already contribute saltiness to the dish, so be mindful not to oversalt.
- Once everything is well combined and seasoned to your liking, transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish. Garnish with the reserved cubed cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.
- Serve the tricolored pasta salad immediately or refrigerate it for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Additional Tips:
- To make your own zesty Italian dressing, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a jar and shake until emulsified.
- Customize this pasta salad with your favorite vegetables and meats. It’s a versatile dish that can accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and salami and add more veggies like grilled eggplant, roasted bell peppers, or marinated artichoke hearts.
- This tricolored pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal. It’s colorful, flavorful, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Box of tricolored pasta
1 Red pepper
1red onion
1 pt tomato
1package of pepperoni
1 Package if salami
Zesty Italian dressing
Salt to taste
2 bags of cubed cheese
I’ve seen these made with olives and other veggies. Be creative and measure with your heart.