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Italian Pasta Salad

Easy Italian Pasta Salad for Vibrant Summer Gatherings

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad captures nostalgia with vibrant flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Tri-Color Rotini Any pasta shape can be used as a substitute.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Kraft's Zesty Italian Dressing You can try homemade Italian dressing for a personal touch.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Oregano and basil can substitute this if needed.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Finely chopped fresh onion works as a great alternative.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic is a wonderful substitution—just adjust to taste.
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese You may use any grated hard cheese for a different twist.
For Custom Add-Ins
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Olives
  • 1/2 cup Cubed Colby Jack Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Mini Pepperoni
  • 1 cup Sliced Green Peppers
  • 1/2 cup Onions Use raw or roasted for added depth.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Adds bursts of sweetness and color.
  • 1 cup Mini Croutons

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • spatula
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the tri-color rotini, cooking according to the package instructions until al dente—approximately 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into a large mixing bowl.
  2. In the bowl with the cooled tri-color rotini, pour in the Kraft's Zesty Italian dressing. Add the Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together until the pasta is evenly coated with the tangy dressing and seasonings.
  3. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dressed pasta. Incorporate any desired add-ins such as sliced olives, cubed Colby Jack cheese, or mini pepperoni. Carefully mix everything until well combined.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Italian Pasta Salad for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Feel free to mix and match add-ins to create a dish that's perfect for any summer gathering.

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