pasta salad with a zing!

Lakeside, OR
Updated on Mar 6, 2011

Sometimes we just don't feel like having a heavy meal. This salad works for us because it is filling and satisfying, and it's ready in no time. It's a great side dish, but have it as your main with some buttered crusty bread and you won't be disappointed. The flavors just pop and the jalapeno peppers give it a nice little bite. I love pasta salad but wanted something a little different. My husband is a meat and potatoes kind of guy normally, but he loves this so much he doesn't even feel like he's missing out.

prep time 30 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Stove Top
yield 6-8 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 18-24 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
  • 1 can black olives, sliced (1 heaping cup)
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup jalapeno peppers, finely diced (i use mezzetta deli-sliced tamed)
  • 1/2-3/4 cup cheese, cubed (pepperjack, monterey jack, mozzarella - your choice)
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1 bottle (16 oz) kraft zesty italian dressing & marinade
  • - salt and pepper to taste

How To Make pasta salad with a zing!

  • Step 1
    Cook pasta according to directions, drain and rinse in cold water.
  • Step 2
    Put cooked pasta in large bowl. Add olives, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeno peppers, and cubed cheese. Mix well together.
  • Step 3
    Salt and pepper to taste, then add 2/3 to full bottle of italian dressing, depending on how moist you like it.
  • Step 4
    Top with shredded parmesan cheese.
  • Step 5
    You could also add in some diced red or purple onion for a bit of crunch and added great flavor.

Discover More

Category: Pasta Salads
Ingredient: Pasta
Culture: American
Method: Stove Top

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