Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is one that I’ve made numerous times because it’s so effortless to make and always a crowd-pleaser! The best part of this recipe is that it’s so simple to make your own! Take out any ingredients or add any that you or yours guests love. 
Additional bonuses about this pasta salad?  It's great year-round, and a hit at potlucks. 

Note: This dish can also be made a few days ahead of time or created the same day you’ll be serving it. 

Ingredients:

1 box tri-colored rotini pasta, cooked according to package. (This was "Garden Rontini" which said there was one serving of 'vegetables' in each serving of pasta. Bonus!)

1 can artichokes, drained and chopped

3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 small can sliced black olives, drained

1 package whole mozzarella cheese, cubed. (I used Monterrey jack this time)

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

1 package mini pepperoni

¼ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package.

Drain and chop artichokes, tomatoes, olives, cheese, and basil. Put these items and pepperoni and combine in mixing bowl.

Add fresh, organic basil from Backyard Produce

Drain and rinse pasta to cool.  Add pasta, olive oil, and lemon juice to mixing bowl.

Combine and season according to taste. 

Relish, and share this delectable dish!