Pasta salad is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that can be easily tailored to fit your taste preferences. This whipped-up pasta salad is a delightful mix of rotini noodles, savory meats, and fresh vegetables, all brought together with a tangy Zesty Italian Dressing and a sprinkle of Salad Supreme seasoning. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, this pasta salad is both quick and easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 box Rotini noodles
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup diced cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 bottle Walmart brand Zesty Italian Dressing
- Salad Supreme seasoning to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Rotini noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and Rinse: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. This also helps prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice and Slice: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the ham, cheddar cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Slice the pepperoni, black olives, and green olives.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
- Mix the Pasta and Add-Ins: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, ham, pepperoni, cheddar cheese, black olives, green olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the Zesty Italian Dressing over the pasta mixture. Start with half of the bottle and mix thoroughly. Add more dressing as needed until the pasta salad is well coated and to your liking.
Step 4: Season and Serve
- Season with Salad Supreme: Sprinkle Salad Supreme seasoning over the pasta salad to taste. This seasoning adds a burst of flavor and an extra layer of seasoning that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Chill and Serve: For best results, chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve cold as a side dish or a main course.
Cooking Notes
- Customization: Feel free to customize this pasta salad by adding other ingredients such as bell peppers, red onions, or shredded carrots. You can also substitute the ham and pepperoni with other proteins like grilled chicken or turkey.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese adds a nice sharp flavor, you can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or Monterey Jack.
- Dressings: If you prefer a different dressing, you can easily substitute the Zesty Italian Dressing with your favorite vinaigrette or homemade dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? A: Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it a few hours or even a day before you plan to serve it. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much of the dressing, you can add a little more before serving to refresh the salad.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Absolutely! While Rotini noodles are great for holding onto the dressing and ingredients, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, farfalle, or fusilli.
Q: What can I serve with this pasta salad? A: This pasta salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes, including grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or even as a side for BBQs and picnics.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of this pasta salad, replace the Rotini noodles with spiralized zucchini or cucumber noodles. Ensure the dressing and other ingredients are low-carb friendly.
This whipped-up pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. With its combination of savory meats, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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