Caprese Pasta Salad

Summer is coming and it is my most favorite season to cook! In my house, summer means an array of fresh fruits and veggies and lighter, healthier meals. I love love love a good grilled burger, steak, chicken breast, or even hot dog (I know - not exactly healthy, but so delicious). What goes well with grilled protein? A fresh pasta salad, that’s what!

Total time: 30 min. | Prep time: 10 min. Cook Time: 20 min.
Servings: 8 | Serving size: 1 cup for a side dish

Ingredients for caprese pasta salad:

• 1 16-oz box of whole wheat rotini pasta
• 1 6-oz package of turkey pepperoni
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (I generally use red or orange because they are sweeter and add beautiful color)
• 8 ounces green olives, halved
• 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
• 16 ounces of light Italian salad dressing
• ¼ Tbsp. garlic salt
• ¼ Tbsp. pepper
• ¼ 3-oz cup parmesan cheese

Directions for caprese pasta salad:

1. Boil your pasta, drain and set aside to let cool
2. While your pasta boils, dice your onion and bell pepper, slice your grape tomatoes and olives in half, and quarter your turkey pepperoni - set aside in separate bowl from pasta
3. Once pasta is fully cooled, stir in other ingredients
4. Add salad dressing, garlic salt, and pepper
5. Mix
6. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top
7. Refrigerate one hour before serving
8. Enjoy!