Zesty Pasta Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Categories: Vegetarian, Salads & Pasta
Zesty Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that's perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side for any meal. This colorful salad combines al dente pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, all tossed in a tangy, flavorful dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, and a blend of zesty herbs and spices. The dressing adds just the right amount of kick, while the veggies provide a crunch and burst of freshness. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, Zesty Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that's light, refreshing, and packed with bold, bright flavors.
Difficulty: EASY
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1lb. box pasta, cooked, drained, and cooled (when serving children, use miniature wheel pasta)
- 12oz. jar fire roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 3.8 oz. can sliced ripe olives, drained
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small to medium red onion, chopped
- 4 oz. pepperoni slices, cut in quarters (can used turkey pepperoni)
- 1/4 cup fresh sweet parsley, chopped
- 8 oz. container fresh mozzarella, or 8 oz. cubed mozzarella
- 12 oz. BRIANNAS Zesty French Dressing
- 1 jar pepperoncini peppers, drained
Directions:
- In a large bowl, toss the pasta with all ingredients except the pepperoncini.
- Pour BRIANNAS Zesty French Dressing over the salad and chill for 8 hours, or overnight.
- When ready to serve, garnish with the pepperoncini peppers. Mama Mia!
- When serving children, use miniature wheel pasta. They will gobble it up!