Easy Pasta Recipes - Italian Pasta Salad

Here is an interesting recipe for an easy pasta salad. Although one among several pasta recipes, this one is easy to make, and is a complete meal by itself. The recipe given below is enough for 6 servings.

The time taken for preparation and cooking is about 15 – 20 minutes.

Ingredients for Italian Pasta Salad:

10 Cups Pasta
(Rotini, Conchiglie, Fusili – You can choose one or a mix of all)

2 ½ Cups Mixed Vegetables cubed or diced
(Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Green Peppers, Yellow Peppers, Red Peppers, Broccoli Florets and any vegetables of your choice)

½ Cup Cheese
(Cheddar or Parmesan – As Per Your Taste)

1/3 Cup Black Olives (Pitted)

1 Cup Italian Salad Dressing

2 - 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Method of preparation of Italian Pasta Salad:

Boil water in a pot. Add 2 Tablespoons of olive oil to the boiling water. Add Pasta and let it cook. Stir occasionally so that the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pot. The olive oil ensures that the pasta does not stick to each other. When the pasta has been cooked, drain the excess hot water and rinse the pasta under cool running water. Allow the pasta to cool.

In a large salad serving bowl, add the pasta, mixed vegetables, cheese and black olives. Toss it well.

Add the salad dressing and mix well just before you serve.

Your Italian Pasta Salad is ready to eat!

Garnishing:

Add 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil if desired.

Variations:

• Non-vegetarians can add their choice of boiled meat cubes to the salad while tossing.
• This salad can also be served cold.
• You can also prepare the salad one day in advance. Just prepare the salad ‘ready-to-serve’ and freeze.