Aunt Kathy'S Pasta Salad
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring Italian dressing, cheeses, olives, and roasted peppers, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quick family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with Zesty Italian salad dressing.
- Add sliced black olives, sliced green olives, diced roasted peppers, sliced mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Mix all ingredients together well until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with parsley and garlic powder to taste.
- Cover and chill overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing. You can also substitute the macaroni with whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. If you prefer a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For a twist, mix in ingredients from Nique'S Italian Sunset Salad, like artichoke hearts or cherry tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Kathy's Pasta Salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish and is an excellent accompaniment to Italian recipes like Stuffed Lasagna Rolls. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light soup or a fresh green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, avoid adding the parsley and garlic powder until serving. If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a bit more Zesty Italian dressing before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Kathy'S Pasta Salad contains roughly 252 calories, with 14g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 787mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for making ahead! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. Just be sure to store it properly and add fresh herbs just before serving for the best taste.
What can I substitute for the olives?
If you're not a fan of olives, you can substitute them with diced pickles or capers for a similar briny flavor. Alternatively, omit them entirely and add more roasted peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Aunt Kathy's Pasta Salad is a vegetarian recipe! It contains no meat products, making it a great choice for vegetarian diets. You can also enhance its nutritional value by adding some chopped spinach or other veggies.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).