pasta salad with a zing!

(3 ratings)
Recipe by
Laurie Roberts
Lakeside, OR

Sometimes we just don't feel like having a heavy meal. This salad works for us because it is filling and satisfying, and it's ready in no time. It's a great side dish, but have it as your main with some buttered crusty bread and you won't be disappointed. The flavors just pop and the jalapeno peppers give it a nice little bite. I love pasta salad but wanted something a little different. My husband is a meat and potatoes kind of guy normally, but he loves this so much he doesn't even feel like he's missing out.

(3 ratings)
yield 6 -8
prep time 30 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For pasta salad with a zing!

  • 18-24 oz
    tri-color rotini pasta
  • 1 can
    black olives, sliced (1 heaping cup)
  • 1 c
    cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 lg
    avocado, diced
  • 1/2 c
    jalapeno peppers, finely diced (i use mezzetta deli-sliced tamed)
  • 1/2-3/4 c
    cheese, cubed (pepperjack, monterey jack, mozzarella - your choice)
  • 1/2 c
    parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1 bottle
    (16 oz) kraft zesty italian dressing & marinade
  • salt and pepper to taste

How To Make pasta salad with a zing!

  • 1
    Cook pasta according to directions, drain and rinse in cold water.
  • 2
    Put cooked pasta in large bowl. Add olives, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeno peppers, and cubed cheese. Mix well together.
  • 3
    Salt and pepper to taste, then add 2/3 to full bottle of italian dressing, depending on how moist you like it.
  • 4
    Top with shredded parmesan cheese.
  • 5
    You could also add in some diced red or purple onion for a bit of crunch and added great flavor.

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