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Perfect Pasta Salad

Easy, dressed pasta salad perfect for doubling and sharing!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine American, Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 16 people

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 rubber spatula
  • 1 large bowl with lid optionally, you can use the pot you cook the pasta in for the overnight part.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta bowties or rotini work well. Whole grain is fine too.
  • 2 c Olive Garden dressing any brand works, but the OG is the OG and so perfectly delish!
  • 1 packet Good Seasons Italian dressing mix You can try making your own or another brand but this packet is the OG (NOT Olive Garden) and is really perfectly balanced.
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced
  • 1 red onion, diced can use 1/2 or none, depending on your preferences
  • 1 English cucumber regular is ok too, just take out the seeds before dicing.
  • 1 container baby tomatoes grape or cherry
  • 16 oz jar pepperoncini whole or sliced, drained
  • 16 oz can black olives whole or sliced, drained
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or bocconcini in the deli section, near all the specialty cheeses

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to box directions using the lower number (for al dente consistency).
  • Drain pasta. DO NOT RINSE!
  • Place into large glass or metal bowl (or return to the cooking pot).
  • Sprinkle dry dressing mix & pour over 2 cups of prepared dressing and stir well.
  • Cover and place in the fridge overnight.
  • Before serving add in the diced veggies, meats, cheese. Mix well. Enjoy!

Notes

This recipe is my tweaked version of South your Mouth overnight pasta salad. I don't think I will ever try the sundried tomatoes since my crew does not care for them. But the baby mozzarella pearls absolutely MAKE this pop as do the pepperoncini. If you need it to be a little heartier, add in some diced salami or pepperoni. This would then work as more of a main dish with a roll and some fruit. As is, it is one of our favorite side dishes and often requested for showers and celebrations.
Keyword crowd, customizable, easy, leftovers, pasta