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Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad That's a BBQ Must-Have This Summer

A vibrant Italian Pasta Salad that's perfect for summer BBQs, filled with colorful ingredients and zesty dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 8 oz Tri-Color Rotini You can substitute with penne or macaroni if desired.
  • 1 cup Kraft's Zesty Italian Dressing Mix vinegar, olive oil, and Italian herbs for a homemade version.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Substitute with a combination of oregano, basil, and thyme if needed.
For the Flavor Boost
  • 1 tbsp Sweet Basil Fresh basil enhances aroma and taste.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Feel free to use chopped fresh onions for added crunch.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used as a bolder alternative.
For the Finish
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast works as a dairy-free substitute.
For the Customization
  • Sliced olives For extra flavor and texture.
  • Cubed Colby Jack cheese
  • Mini pepperoni
  • Sliced green pepper
  • Sliced onion
  • Cherry or grape tomatoes
  • Mini croutons For extra texture.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tri-color rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, generally about 7-9 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini with Kraft's Zesty Italian dressing. Use a spatula to gently toss the pasta until it's evenly coated with the dressing.
  3. Next, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, sweet basil, onion powder, and garlic powder. Toss everything together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  4. Now, take a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over the pasta mixture. Gently fold the cheese into the salad, making sure it’s well-distributed.
  5. At this stage, feel free to incorporate any of your favorite add-ins such as olives, cubed cheese, or fresh veggies. Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 6mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, add the dressing just before serving to keep the pasta from becoming soggy.

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