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Zesty Italian Dressing Macaroni

Zesty Italian Dressing Macaroni is the kind of easy, flavorful pasta dish that can turn a handful of everyday ingredients into something surprisingly delicious. Tender macaroni is tossed with a bright Italian-style dressing, crisp vegetables, herbs, and a few simple additions that create a refreshing combination of tangy, savory, and slightly creamy flavors.

It works beautifully as a quick lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or a make-ahead pasta salad for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. The best part is that the flavor develops as it rests, making it even better after a little time in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

12 ounces elbow macaroni
¾ cup Italian dressing
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
½ cup finely diced cucumber
¼ cup finely diced red onion
¼ cup sliced black olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
½ cup shredded mozzarella or small mozzarella pearls

Optional additions

You can easily customize this macaroni with ingredients you already have. Diced cherry tomatoes, pepperoncini, chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, broccoli, salami, or diced grilled chicken can all work well.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Cook the macaroni

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until tender but still slightly firm.

Avoid overcooking the pasta. Since the macaroni will absorb some of the dressing as it sits, pasta that is too soft can become mushy later.

Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly.

2. Cool the pasta

Transfer the drained macaroni to a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool for several minutes.

For an especially refreshing pasta salad, you can briefly rinse the macaroni under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta quickly.

Let the excess water drain completely before continuing.