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Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

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A refreshing and colorful pasta salad tossed with zesty Italian dressing, fresh vegetables, and savory additions—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or an easy lunch.

Ingredients

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  • 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella balls or cubed cheese
  • 1/2 cup Italian salami or pepperoni, chopped (optional)
  • 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, red onion, mozzarella, and salami if using.
  3. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped herbs.

Notes

  • Use tri-color pasta for extra visual appeal.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat or add chickpeas for protein.
  • Tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.

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