COLORFUL PARTY PASTA SALAD

Colorful Party Pasta Salad image

Wow, this a pasta salad recipe! There are a lot of fresh veggies, herbs, cheese, and pepperoni. If that isn't enough, the homemade dressing is amazing and the star of this pasta salad recipe. After pouring the dressing on the salad this chills in the fridge for a few hours and that's where the flavor magic happens. This makes a...

Provided by Megan Todd

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 31

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Ingredients

ITALIAN DRESSING
2 c olive oil, extra virgin
1 c red wine vinegar
1 whole bay leaf
1 sprig(s) fresh rosemary
2 clove garlic, peeled, whole
2 clove garlic, peeled, & minced
3/4 tsp parsley, Italian
1/2 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp basil, dried
1/2 tsp thyme, dried
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 Tbsp oregano, dried
PASTA SALAD
1 lb pasta, tri-colored fusilli (cooked according to package directions, drained & cooled)
1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
1 large red onion, peeled & diced
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 medium red pepper, diced
1 medium yellow pepper, diced
4 medium roma tomatoes, dices
1 medium stick of pepperoni, paper removed, sliced 1/4 inch thick, then diced
1 can(s) medium black olives, drained & sliced
1-8 oz brick, mozzarella cheese
1-8 oz brick, sharp cheddar cheese
fresh grated romano cheese (add when serving)
1 bunch broccoli florets, chopped
1 sprig(s) rosemary, chopped
fresh oregano to taste, chopped

Steps:

1. To make dressing: In a large glass jar or bottle with a lid, add whole garlic, bay leaf, & rosemary sprig. Add extra virgin olive oil & red wine vinegar. Add all remaining seasonings. Place lid on jar and shake gently to mix well. (Taste dressing & add adjust seasonings to your taste.) Refrigerate any unused dressing. NOTE: Dressing is best if left to sit 24 hours before use. This allows the garlic & rosemary to infuse into the oil & vinegar. Homemade is best, but you can use your favorite Italian dressing as well.
2. Prepare pasta according to directions, drain, cool, & drizzle with a small amount of EVOO & set aside. NOTE: Pasta salad is very versatile, & if it's a last minute request, I make with what I have on hand. I always have fresh vegetables in my fridge, & ingredients for Italian dressing. If I don't have red or yellow peppers, I use extra green peppers. Sometimes I add celery too. It really just depends on what I have on hand. But the recipe herein is by far my favorite way to prepare this wonderful salad!
3. Chop all vegetables & add to pasta, mix in well.
4. Dice pepperoni & cheeses; add to pasta and vegetables. Fold in. Add fresh seasonings to taste.
5. Add Italian dressing & stir well. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving. Best if made the day beforehand.
6. Stir well and add fresh grated Romano cheese just before serving.

*** Explore more Colorful Party Pasta Salad Recipes »

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