Pasta Salad
📜 Collection: UK5 | ✍️ Attribution: Lisa McFarland | 📂 Category: Salads A hearty and flavorful pasta salad loaded with summer sausage, cheddar cheese, and vibrant vegetables tossed in zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, this dish improves as the flavors meld in the refrigerator.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 10 mins | 12 hours | 8–10 Servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Colander
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Box grater
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (12-13 ounce) box | Rotini or other pasta | Cooked and cooled |
| 1/2 pound | Summer Sausage | Chopped |
| 8 ounces | Cheddar Cheese | Shredded |
| 2 large or 10 baby | Carrots | Shredded |
| 1 can | Olives | Sliced |
| 3/4 bottle | Italian Dressing | Zesty style |
| To Taste | Salt and Pepper | As needed |
Optional Additions
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Cucumber | Shredded |
| 4-5 | Green Onions | Chopped |
| 4-5 leaves | Basil | Fresh, chiffonaded |
Instructions
Step 1: Combine and Toss
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled 1 (12-13 ounce) box rotini or other pasta, chopped 1/2 pound summer sausage, shredded 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded 2 large or 10 baby carrots, sliced 1 can olives, and 3/4 bottle zesty Italian dressing (along with optional shredded 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped 4-5 green onions, and chiffonaded 4-5 leaves fresh basil if using).
- Season with to taste salt and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated and well incorporated.
Step 2: Chill and Serve
- Let the salad refrigerate for at least half a day or longer to allow the flavors to meld thoroughly until well chilled and deeply flavorful.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store sealed in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; the flavor improves as it sits.
Original Recipe Scan
