Introduction:

Pasta salads are a popular dish for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. They're easy to prepare, can be made in advance, and can incorporate a variety of flavors and ingredients. This article will focus on a zesty Italian pasta salad recipe that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb. pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1/2 cup sliced black olives

- 1/2 cup diced red onion

- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

- 1/2 cup diced cucumber

- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

- 1/2 cup Italian dressing

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, or according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Prep the vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, dice the red onion, green bell pepper, and cucumber.

Step 3: Combine the ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, green bell pepper, and cucumber.

Step 4: Add the dressing and cheese

Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss until all the ingredients are coated. Add the grated parmesan cheese and toss again.

Step 5: Season and chill

Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Conclusion:

This zesty Italian pasta salad recipe is a delicious and easy way to feed a crowd. With its colorful assortment of vegetables and tangy dressing, it's sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Best of all, it can be made in advance and chilled until you're ready to serve, making it a stress-free addition to your menu. Try it out and see how easy it is to create a flavorful and satisfying pasta salad that everyone will love.