Food Friday- Pasta Salad

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but it's hot outside.  And when it's hot, the last thing you want is hot food.  I love this pasta salad because it's chilled and is super easy to make.  It also makes a ton of servings, so it's great for a picnic or outdoor party.  Here's what you'll need...

Ingredients

1 lb Rotini Pasta (I like the tri-colored because it's pretty)

Italian Dressing - 16oz

Tomatoes (cherry or regular)

Black Olives

Peperoni

Cubed cheese (any kind)

Optional: Bell Peppers, salami, canned mushrooms, green olives, ect...

First, start boiling your water for your pasta and add your pasta.  While that's cooking, cut up your tomato.  I used whole tomatoes, but I think cherry tomatoes would have been better.  Add the diced tomato to a large bowl.

Next, slice your peperoni in halves.  You can add as much or as little as you desire.  Add them into the bowl with your tomatoes.

Drain your olives and add them into the bowl.  Add your cheese cubes (note:  I was going to buy a brick of cheese and cut it myself, but the pre-cut cheese was the same price.  Go figure).

Once your pasta is done, pour it into your strainer and rinse it well with cold water.  Let it drain until it's pretty dry.  If you don't have time to let it drain, use a paper towel to remove the excess moisture.

Add the pasta into the bowl with the other ingredients.  Add all but about 1/2 cup of the Italian dressing into the bowl.  Stir well, cover with saran wrap, and stick in the fridge overnight.  The next day, you'll want to taste it to see if you need to add a little more dressing.  Sometimes it turns out fine, but you'll want to reserve that little but of dressing just in case you feel it needs a little more flavor.

That's it!  I like this recipe because it's something most people like and it's great for summer.  You can even leave out the meat for a vegetarian option.  Enjoy!