Colorful Party Pasta Salad

Name: Colorful Party Pasta Salad
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12-20
Cuisine: American
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

By Megan Todd
@Megan213

This recipe is a family favorite that is requested for EVERY bonfire, birthday party, holiday get together or any family occasion! Recently we went to our niece's birthday party empty handed (meaning no pasta salad, but lots of gifts), and was asked over and over again where the pasta salad was. My defense, I offered to make something and was told not to.

Anyhow, I more than made up for it this past weekend for my kids' birthday celebration & our season opening bonfire. Feel free to add your family's favorite vegetables. It brings lots of color to any summer get together!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Wow, this a pasta salad recipe! There is 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 ton and would be great for a cookout, large gathering or potluck. The Test Kitchen

Rating:

★★★★★ 2 votes5

Comments:

10 Comments

Serves:

12-20

Prep:

45 Min

Cook:

10 Min

Method:

Stove Top

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
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How to Make Colorful Party Pasta Salad

Step-by-Step

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.
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!
Chop all vegetables & add to pasta, mix in well.
Dice pepperoni & cheeses; add to pasta and vegetables. Fold in. Add fresh seasonings to taste.
Add Italian dressing & stir well. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving. Best if made the day beforehand.
Stir well and add fresh grated Romano cheese just before serving.