Ultimate Italian Pasta Medley
Dive into the vibrant flavors of Italy with this Ultimate Italian Pasta Medley, a delightful combination of al dente tri-color rotini, fresh vegetables, savory meats, and creamy cheeses. This dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrition, making it a perfect addition to any gathering or picnic. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on what's available in your pantry; this versatile salad shines with whatever you have on hand. For an added twist, consider using a food processor for quick veggie chopping, enhancing the texture of this delightful medley. Enjoy an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that tastes even better after marinating overnight!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
tri-color rotini pasta
12 ounces (cooked al dente and chilled)
red onion
1/2 cup (diced)
grape tomatoes
1/2 cup (halved)
seedless cucumber
1 cup (diced)
green bell pepper
1 cup (diced)
carrot
1 cup (diced)
cheddar cheese OR marinated mozzarella balls
1/2 cup OR 8 ounces (cubed OR pearls in oil)
salami OR pepperoni
1 cup (cubed)
Italian dressing
8 ounces (prepared or homemade)
McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning
1/4 cup (not prepared)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the pasta: cook it to al dente according to package instructions, then rinse thoroughly under cold water to cool it down. Drain well.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the Italian dressing with the McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning, mixing well to create a flavorful marinade.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled pasta, diced red onion, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced green bell pepper, diced carrot, cheese, and your choice of meat (salami or pepperoni).
4
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad and toss gently, ensuring all ingredients are coated evenly.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Don't forget to toss again before serving for an even distribution of ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Italian Pasta Medley?
It is a vibrant pasta salad featuring tri-color rotini, fresh vegetables, savory meats like salami or pepperoni, and cheese, all tossed in a seasoned Italian dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of tri-color rotini pasta, which adds both color and texture to the dish.
How many people does this pasta salad serve?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings, making it ideal for large gatherings.
What vegetables are included in the medley?
The salad includes red onion, grape tomatoes, seedless cucumber, green bell pepper, and carrots.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, and carrot should be diced, while the grape tomatoes should be halved.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, using a food processor for quick veggie chopping is recommended to enhance the texture of the medley.
What meats can be added to the Italian Pasta Medley?
You can use 1 cup of either cubed salami or pepperoni.
What cheese options work best?
You can use either 1/2 cup of cubed cheddar cheese or 8 ounces of marinated mozzarella pearls.
What kind of dressing is used?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of Italian dressing, which can be store-bought or homemade.
What is the secret seasoning for this salad?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1/4 cup of McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning.
How do I prepare the pasta?
Cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions, then rinse thoroughly under cold water and drain well.
Why should I rinse the pasta in cold water?
Rinsing stops the cooking process and chills the pasta so it can be mixed with the fresh ingredients immediately.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
It should be covered and refrigerated for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to combine.
Can I make this pasta salad the night before?
Yes, letting the salad marinate overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully and often tastes even better the next day.
Is this recipe suitable for picnics?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a picnic and party food because it travels well and is a crowd-pleaser.
How do I mix the dressing?
In a separate bowl, combine the Italian dressing with the McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning before pouring it over the salad.
Should I toss the salad again after refrigeration?
Yes, toss the salad again right before serving to ensure an even distribution of dressing and ingredients.
Can I substitute the tri-color rotini?
While tri-color rotini is recommended for visual appeal, you can use regular rotini, penne, or fusilli if necessary.
What if I want a vegetarian version?
You can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the salami or pepperoni and adding more vegetables or cheese.
Is the cucumber peeled or unpeeled?
The recipe suggests using a seedless cucumber, which typically has a thin enough skin that it does not require peeling when diced.
What size should the meat cubes be?
The salami or pepperoni should be diced into approximately bite-sized cubes.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
Yes, while the recipe specifies green bell pepper, you can use red, yellow, or orange for extra color and sweetness.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting dry?
Ensure you use the full 8 ounces of dressing and toss thoroughly; if it seems dry after overnight storage, you can add a splash more dressing before serving.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is packed with fresh vegetables and can be a nutritious side dish or meal.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include pasta salad, italian, party food, vegetable salad, easy recipe, make-ahead meal, and picnic food.
How much seasoning is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of the McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning.
Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Yes, the recipe suggests marinated mozzarella balls (pearls) as a primary cheese option.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe that primarily involves boiling pasta and chopping ingredients.
How much total carrot is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of diced carrots.
What makes this 'The Ultimate' pasta medley?
Its versatility, the specific blend of Italian seasoning, and the overnight marination process create a superior flavor profile.