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Springtime Pasta Salad

Springtime Pasta Salad - the perfect salad to make for for BBQ's or parties all spring and summer long. Pasta combined with different cheeses, fresh veggies and Italian dressing. 

Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bowtie pasta
  • 1/2 pound cheese, cubed (any variety)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cups mini tomatoes (red or yellow)
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, diced
  • 1 .7 ounce package dry, Italian-style salad dressing mix
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbs. dried oregano
  • 1 Tbs. dried parsley
  • 1 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Cook al dente. Drain and cool.


  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled, cooked pasta with the cubed cheese, mini tomatoes, diced artichoke hearts, diced bell peppers.

  3. Sprinkle the package of dry salad dressing mix into the bowl and mix well.

  4. Cover and refrigerate for 60 minutes or more.

  5. While the salad is in the fridge, mix the dressing by blending (or whisking) together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

  6. When you’re ready, pour dressing over the salad, mix well and serve! (I like to mix it by wrapping plastic wrap tightly over the top and shaking the bowl in various directions.)