This is a recipe introduced to me by my partner, it's a really easy workweek dinner with minimal cooking experience required. Because its served chilled, it also saves really well which makes it ideal for work lunches or meal preps! The original recipe includes bacon bits which I've omitted bc of my diet - however, if your diet allows, my partner recommends using 1:1 bacon to dry pasta by weight to give the dish a savory smokiness.
Zesty Pasta Salad (Yields 12-16 portions)
Ingredients:
2 lb dry pasta (we recommend tri-color rotini!)
1 head cauliflower, chopped
2 heads broccoli, chopped
8 oz carrots, chopped or julienned
8 oz mushrooms, chopped
1 36oz bottle zesty Italian salad dressing, divided
Directions:
1) Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions
2) Combine cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, cooked pasta, and half the dressing in a large bowl
3) Toss to combine, cover and place in the fridge until chilled
4) When serving, add remaining dressing to taste