THE ULTIMATE PASTA SALAD

The Ultimate Pasta Salad image

The tri-colored pasta along with the variety of vegetables, pepperoni, cheeses and spices is what makes this pasta salad out of this world. Great to take to a BBQ on those warm summer nights. This salad tastes wonderful right after you make it, but is best served the day after.

Provided by Helene Rose-Carson

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked tri-colored spiral pasta
1 head fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
1 head fresh cauliflower, chopped into bite size pieces
1 red onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
8 ounces pepperoni slices, cut into quarters
1 (8 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
1 (6 ounce) can large pitted black olives, drained and sliced
½ cup olive oil, or to taste
½ cup red wine vinegar, or to taste
salt and pepper to taste
Italian seasoning to taste

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and chill 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Toss chilled pasta with the broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, garlic, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, olives, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410.9 calories, Carbohydrate 36.2 g, Cholesterol 31.5 mg, Fat 22.7 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 16.1 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 572.1 mg, Sugar 2.7 g