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Quick Italian Pasta Salad with One Secret Ingredient for Flavorful Bites

Quick Italian Pasta Salad (with 1 Secret Ingredient)

This Quick Italian Pasta Salad features a secret ingredient that takes the flavor to the next level. Perfect for gatherings or a quick meal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 secret ingredient: pesto

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, bell pepper, and red onion.
  3. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and pesto, mixing well to incorporate.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a creamier salad, you can add a dollop of mayonnaise.
  • Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies!

Nutrition

Keywords: Quick Italian Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad, Easy Pasta Recipe, Salad with Pesto