Zesty Pasta Salad

Hi there! I’m Lala. I’m a Catholic, Wife and Mother to my infant daughter.

This week, we'll be making a delicious pasta salad! Enjoy this flavorful pasta salad as a satisfying main dish or a delightful side throughout the week. For the freshest taste, keep the dressing separate until serving, and the pasta will remain fresh for four days!

Ingredients:

For the pasta:
Pasta of Choice [one package, 16 oz]

Toppings:
Proteins: Montery Jack, Pepper jack, Cheddar, Parmesan and Feta Cheese, Pepperoni

Vegetables: Cucumbers, Grape Tomatoes, Bell Pepper, Olives

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cool water. Allow it to continue draining while you chop the cheeses and vegetables for the pasta.
2. Cut your choice of proteins into desired sizes. Feel free to use any cheese, pepperoni, or salami you have available.
3. Cut all your preferred vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
4. Season the cooked pasta. This step is crucial and adds a lot of flavor to the final dish. Before adding the meats and vegetables, season the pasta with basil, oregano, and, if desired, a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Mix everything together and add your preferred bottled Italian or Greek dressing. Alternatively, you can make your own dressing using the recipe provided below.

Salad Dressing:
Salad Dressing: You have the option to use your favorite Italian or Greek dressing or make your own. I recommend making your own for a truly delightful experience. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. It may take some trial and error, but when you find the perfect balance, it becomes a delicious blend of spicy and sweet.

Ingredients:
½ cup Olive Oil
1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar, or White Wine Vinegar
1-2 tablespoons sugar (start at one)
½ to 1 teaspoon garlic, basil, oregano, onion powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¾ teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Directions:
1. In a bowl, mix the olive oil and your choice of vinegar.
2. Add the different spices and sugar to the mixture. Continuously mix and taste, adjusting the spices to your liking.
3. When the dressing is almost fully mixed, incorporate some parmesan cheese to bring all the flavors together.

Enjoy your tasty pasta salad with the dressing on the side or mixed in, and savor the delicious combination of flavors!

Thank you for all of your support!

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