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bowl of cooked pasta next to individual bowls of cheese, pepperoni, tomatoes and onins

Ultimate Pasta Salad Recipe Formula

This recipe formula helps you to create the perfect pasta salad using the ingredients that you have in your pantry!
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Servings 14 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound of pasta your choice, but short and round are best
  • 1 cup diced vegetables you can use only one type of vegetable or multiple
  • 1 cup of meat cut to the size of the vegetables
  • 1 cup of cheese
  • 1 - 1 1/2 cups of dressing

Instructions
 

  • Cook 1 pound of the pasta of your choice to al dente according to the package directions. Make sure you salt the water while your pasta is cooking
  • When the pasta is done, drain it thoroughly and let it cool before adding it to the bowl for the pasta salad.
  • In a bowl, combine the pasta with your vegetables, cheese, and meat.
  • Add 1 cup of the salad dressing, stir, and place in the fridge for at least one hour.
  • After an hour, stir and taste the pasta salad. Add salt and pepper to taste and add up to 1/2 cup more of salad dressing.
  • Best served chilled 1-4 hours after assembly.