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Pasta Salad For A Crowd

Pasta Salad For A Crowd: Colorful & Flavorful Delight

This Pasta Salad For A Crowd is a quick, colorful dish bursting with flavor, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 2 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Multi-colored rotini pasta Substitute with regular rotini or your favorite pasta shape.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Italian dressing Consider using a homemade version.
For Flavoring
  • 1 tbsp Kosher salt Regular salt works too.
  • 1 tsp Black pepper Swap for white pepper if preferred.
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Cut in small cubes.
For the Veggie Crunch
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Cut in half.
  • 1 cup Green and red bell peppers Any color works.
  • 1 2.25 Sliced black olives Drained; feel free to omit.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula
  • Foil pans

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of kosher salt and then pour in half of the multi-colored rotini pasta. Cook for 7-9 minutes until al dente.
  2. Cool Pasta: Drain the pasta and rinse under cold running water for 1-2 minutes to stop cooking and cool it down.
  3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine half the cooled pasta with Italian dressing, a sprinkle of salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1-2 minutes until coated.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Fold in the remaining pasta, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives. Mix for 3-4 minutes until well combined.
  5. Store: Transfer to large foil pans, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Prepare 1-2 days in advance for the best flavor infusion. Adjust dressing if needed after resting.

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