Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) Rotini pasta or your preferred pasta shape
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni, halved
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup sliced green olives
• 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Zesty Italian dressing (or your favorite Italian dressing)
• 2 tablespoons Salad Supreme seasoning (or your preferred salad seasoning)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Cook the Rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
• Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Allow the pasta to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Salad:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled Rotini pasta with the diced ham, sliced pepperoni, shredded cheddar cheese, black olives, green olives, diced cucumbers, and diced tomatoes.

3. Add the Dressing:

• Pour the Zesty Italian dressing over the salad ingredients.

4. Season and Toss:

• Sprinkle the Salad Supreme seasoning over the salad.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing and seasoning.

5. Chill and Garnish:

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
• Just before serving, give the salad a final toss.
• Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.

6. Serve Cold:

• Serve your Zesty Italian Pasta Salad cold as a refreshing and tasty side dish with your favorite supper or barbecue.