Deliciously Easy Italian Pasta Salad with Wishbone Dressing

Introduction

Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for any occasion – from a casual family gathering to a summer barbecue. This recipe combines the flavors of pasta, fresh vegetables, and zesty Italian dressing for a refreshing and satisfying dish that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Using Wishbone Italian dressing adds the perfect tangy and herby flavors to this classic pasta salad. Let’s dive into the details of this deliciously easy Italian Pasta Salad recipe.

Ingredients

For this Italian Pasta Salad recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (rotini or fusilli work well)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup Wishbone Italian dressing
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create this flavorful Italian Pasta Salad:

1. Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, red onion, bell pepper, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.
3. Add the Wishbone Italian dressing to the bowl and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Sprinkle the chopped basil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the salad gently once more to combine all the flavors.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
6. Once chilled, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve the Italian Pasta Salad in a large bowl and enjoy!

FAQ

Can I make this Italian Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually tastes better when the flavors have had time to meld together. It can be made a day in advance, making it the perfect dish for potlucks and parties.

Can I customize the ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute any of the vegetables or add extra toppings like grilled chicken or salami to make this pasta salad your own.

How long can I store the leftovers?

This Italian Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good toss before serving the leftovers.