Zesty Italian Tricolor Pasta Salad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

1 box tricolor rotini pasta

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 red onion, finely chopped

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

1 package pepperoni, sliced or halved

1 package salami, chopped or sliced into strips

1 bottle zesty Italian dressing (use to taste, about 1 to 1½ cups)

Salt, to taste

Optional Add-ins (if you want to level it up):

1 cup cubed mozzarella or provolone cheese

½ cup black olives, sliced

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil

Cracked black pepper, to taste

 

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

2. Prep the vegetables and meats:

Dice red pepper and onion.

Halve cherry tomatoes.

Slice or chop pepperoni and salami as desired.

 

3. Toss everything together in a large bowl: pasta, veggies, meats, and optional add-ins.

4. Pour zesty Italian dressing over the top (start with 1 cup, add more if needed). Toss well to coat.

5. Taste and season with salt (and pepper, if using).

6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving — it gets better as it sits!