Summer is here and you know what that means…Cookouts, 4th of July, Parties and cool meals for warm nights. Out of all the holidays and celebrations throughout the year, 4th of July is one of my favorites. Our town hosts a huge parade and fireworks, with several events leading up to the big day. Potlucks and picnics also play a big part in the holiday fun. Having a delicious salad recipe like this Layered Italian Pasta Salad that will feed a crowd is perfect.
Everyone loves Pasta Salad and Pizza, so why not kick the salad recipe up a notch and include some of your favorite ingredients from pizza. How about a supreme with all the toppings? This Italian Pasta Salad has Pepperoni, Tomatoes, Green Peppers, Green Onions, Olives, Mozzarella Cheese, and Grated Parmesan Cheese, all layered with a seasoning blend and finished with GOOD SEASONS Italian Dressing mixed in the handy Cruet Kit. The best thing about this Pasta Salad is that it can be made ahead and ready to serve.
While we often enjoy a cool Chicken Salad or maybe a Taco Salad for dinner on a warm night, when it comes to Summer Cookouts it’s time for Barbecue and of course Hot Dogs. We love serving a Hot Dog Bar with lots of toppings, and let everyone see how creative they can be. Last year we had Taco Hot Dogs and a Chicago Dog, since we are from the Midwest. Impress your guests at the next Cookout with a Hot Dog Bar and Layered Italian Pasta Salad…shhh, we won’t tell it was super easy!
Ready to make this delicious Pasta Salad for your next Cookout?
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Layered Italian Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Delicious summer salad
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta
- 1 cup prepared Italian Dressing Mix
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 green pepper, sliced
- 1 cup pepperoni, cut into quarters
- 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
Seasoning
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Cook and drain pasta according to direction on box, rinse in cold water
- Chop all vegetables, pepperoni and cheese
- Layer one third of the pasta in a large bowl, top with pepperoni, tomatoes, peppers, green onions and olives
- Mix seasonings, sprinkle 1 tablespoon on top of vegetables
- Repeat layers 2 times
- Top with cubed Mozzarella Cheese and grated Parmesan Cheese
- Combine Vinegar, water, oil and Italian seasoning packet
- Pour Italian Dressing over Salad
- Note: you can also use bottle Italian dressing
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours
- Toss gently just before serving
- Store leftovers in refrigerator
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
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