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Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad That Brightens Any Occasion

A vibrant Italian Pasta Salad that combines tender pasta with colorful vegetables and savory pepperoni, all dressed in a tangy Italian dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces short pasta such as rotini or penne
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups bell peppers chopped; use various colors
  • 1 cup olives sliced; black or green based on preference
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved; or diced cucumbers
For the Protein
  • 6 ounces pepperoni sliced; or substitute with turkey
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup zesty Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
Optional Add-Ons
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded; omit for dairy-free
  • 1 cup grilled chicken or shrimp optional for extra protein

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • colander
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-By-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Chop your vegetables: dice bell peppers, slice olives, and halve cherry tomatoes. Combine in a mixing bowl.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, and pepperoni. Gently fold everything together.
  4. Pour the zesty Italian dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly until well-coated.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss again before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed cold, with optional customizeable ingredients to suit personal tastes.

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