Favorite Pasta Salad
This vibrant and delicious pasta salad is a family favorite, perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light lunch. It’s packed with colorful veggies, flavorful cheeses, and a tangy Italian dressing, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
This is a family favorite provided by Amy Paulson
Favorite Pasta Salad
A simple and colorful pasta salad featuring spiral macaroni, mini pepperoni, cheddar cheese, and fresh veggies tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. A refreshing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 pkg spiral macaroni cooked (we like the colorful best)
- 1 cup sliced olived
- 1 pkg cubed ham or mini pepperoni
- 1 bunch green onions diced
- 3 tomatoes seeded and chopped
- 1 english cucumber peeled and diced
- 16 ounce mozzarella cheese cubed
- 16 ounce cheddar cheese cubed
Dressing
- 1 1/2 cup italian dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black and red pepper
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:a. Boil the spiral macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.Prepare the salad:a. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the sliced olives, cubed ham (or mini pepperoni), diced green onions, chopped tomatoes, diced cucumbers and cubed mozzarella and cheddar cheese.Make the dressing:a. In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, garlic powder, black and red pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure all ingredients are mixed well.Serve: Enjoy the pasta salad chilled. It tastes even better the next day!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the salad.
- This salad can be made ahead of time, making it a perfect dish for parties and gatherings.
- Feel free to swap the cheeses or meats to suit your preferences (e.g., add chicken or bacon bits).
