Picnic Pasta Salad

One of my easy Fourth of July or any picnic recipes is my Picnic Pasta Salad! So easy and good (and probably similar to things you have had!).

When I made this one year for the Fourth of July, it was a hit! My recipe is based off of serving a large picnic crowd. You can decrease if you want to, but be sure to have extra Italian dressing on hand. I rarely use exact measurements, so this is what I recommend and to tweak to your tastes!

• Two packs of pasta (I feel like rotini is best! I only had one pack, so I added penne to mine)

• One whole red onion, minced (you can use white or yellow onion too!)

• Two bell peppers, minced

• A handful of cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped

• A ball of mozzarella cheese, chopped

• A Extra Large bottle of Olive Garden Italian Dressing. I would buy two regular sizes!

After cooking the pasts and letting it cool and dry, I put it in a large bowl. I mix in all the chopped vegetables. I then add the Italian dressing. If you have regular size bottles, I would definitely use a whole one; if it is the larger size, use a good amount then save to add the next day! Add salt and pepper; refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. Add additional dressing and salt/pepper to your tastes and liking.