Supreme Pasta Salad
An Italian pasta salad with meat, cheese, and vegetables. Try switching out different ingredients; I usually use what I have on hand, so the recipe changes a bit, but this is my favorite version. I like it better when the veggies are chopped small. It takes a long time to chop up the veggies, so sometimes I like to throw them in the food processor and pulse them a few times. Enjoy!
An Italian pasta salad with meat, cheese, and vegetables. Try switching out different ingredients; I usually use what I have on hand, so the recipe changes a bit, but this is my favorite version. I like it better when the veggies are chopped small. It takes a long time to chop up the veggies, so sometimes I like to throw them in the food processor and pulse them a few times. Enjoy!
- 1 cup carrot diced
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- 1 cup pepperoni cubed
- 1 cup green bell pepper diced
- 1 (12 ounce) packageal dente cooked pasta, chilled
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes
- 1 cup seedless cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese cubed or
- 1 (8 ounce) packagesmall marinated fresh mozzarella
- 1 cup salami cubed or
- 1 bottle italian dressing (i use good seasonings zesty ita
- 1/4 cup mccormick salad supreme seasoning
- Carbohydrate 3.69909826468211 g
- Cholesterol 53.2980000058583 mg
- Fat 19.588626304952 g
- Fiber 0.892380211044561 g
- Protein 11.8298904259995 g
- Saturated Fat 7.44038023958543 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (105g)
- Sodium 830.550112157143 mg
- Sugar 2.80671805363755 g
- Trans Fat 2.45252569102274 g
- Calories 239 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix salad dressing with seasoning.
- Place pasta, vegetables, cheese, and meat in a large salad bowl.
- Add dressing and seasoning; toss gently to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or until ready to serve. (I ALWAYS refrigerate overnight—it's better the next day.)
- Toss before serving. (For the pasta, I cook to al dente, and rinse thoroughly with cold water to chill.)
Supreme Pasta Salad: My Go-To Weeknight Meal
As a busy housewife, time is my most precious commodity. I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are delicious, satisfying, and most importantly, quick and easy to make. This Supreme Pasta Salad is my absolute go-to, especially during those hectic weeknights when I need a meal that's both tasty and requires minimal effort. It's incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customization depending on what's in my fridge.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I can throw it together with whatever vegetables I have on hand – carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, you name it! The same goes for the meat. I’ve used pepperoni, salami, even leftover grilled chicken. Sometimes I’ll use a mix of cheeses – cheddar, mozzarella, even a bit of Parmesan for a sharper taste. The secret ingredient, though, is the Italian dressing and the McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning. They work together to create a flavor profile that's both vibrant and deeply satisfying. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy keeps this salad from ever being boring.
This salad is perfect for potlucks or picnics – it travels well and only gets better with time. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits in the fridge, making it even more delicious the next day. I often double the recipe just so we have leftovers for lunch the following day. That’s efficiency in the kitchen!
One of my little time-saving tips is to pulse the vegetables in a food processor. Chopping a large amount of vegetables can be time-consuming, but a few quick pulses in the food processor significantly reduces prep time. It gives a slightly coarser texture than finely diced vegetables but maintains that fresh crunch that I love.
Beyond the convenience, this pasta salad is incredibly healthy. It's packed with vegetables that add a boost of vitamins and minerals to our family’s diet. The protein from the meat and cheese keeps us feeling full and energized. And it's a great way to sneak in extra veggies for my picky eaters. I've found that by finely chopping the vegetables, they're less noticeable and easier for even the fussiest eaters to enjoy.
Another great aspect is its flexibility. You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs. Feel free to swap out ingredients to match your preferences. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables or beans. Or if you are watching your sodium intake, choose a low-sodium Italian dressing and cut down on the added seasoning. The possibilities are truly endless.
Overall, this Supreme Pasta Salad is a testament to simple, flavorful cooking. It’s quick, adaptable, and guaranteed to please everyone. It is a shining example of how a busy housewife can still deliver a fantastic meal without sacrificing time or quality. For me, it’s more than just a pasta salad; it's a symbol of my ability to provide delicious, nutritious food for my family, even amidst the chaos of daily life.
It's not just a meal, it’s a celebration of simple pleasures, a reminder that even the busiest lives can make room for deliciousness and togetherness. This Supreme Pasta Salad is a recipe that continues to bring joy to our table, one satisfying bite at a time. So why not give it a try? It's the perfect weeknight meal, potluck star, and a secret weapon in any housewife's arsenal. You won't regret it!
