Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) Rotini pasta or your preferred pasta shape
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced green olives
- 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Zesty Italian dressing (or your favorite Italian dressing)
- 2 tablespoons Salad Supreme seasoning (or your preferred salad seasoning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the Rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Allow the pasta to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled Rotini pasta with the diced ham, sliced pepperoni, shredded cheddar cheese, black olives, green olives, diced cucumbers, and diced tomatoes.
3. Add the Dressing:
- Pour the Zesty Italian dressing over the salad ingredients.
4. Season and Toss:
- Sprinkle the Salad Supreme seasoning over the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing and seasoning.
5. Chill and Garnish:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, give the salad a final toss.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
6. Serve Cold:
- Serve your Zesty Italian Pasta Salad cold as a refreshing and tasty side dish with your favorite supper or barbecue.
