A vibrant Italian pasta salad with bow tie pasta, fresh vegetables, savory Italian meats, and zesty dressing.
Ingredients
12 ounces bow tie pasta, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 cup cucumber diced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1/2 red onion chopped, 1/2 cup black olives sliced, 1/2 cup pepperoni diced, 1/2 cup salami diced, 1 cup mozzarella balls, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped, 3/4 cup Italian dressing, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. 2. Prepare vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, chop red onion. 3. Dice meats and combine with mozzarella and parmesan. 4. Chop basil and add to salad. 5. Mix Italian dressing with red wine vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. 6. Combine pasta, vegetables, meats, cheese, and dressing; toss gently. 7. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.