Quick And Easy Pasta Salad (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 pound dried pasta like fusilli, penne, rotini, or farfalle.
02 - 1 cup sliced bell pepper, 1 medium.
03 - 1 cup thinly sliced zucchini, 1/2 medium.
04 - 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
05 - 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions, 5 to 6 green onions.
06 - 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers, optional.
07 - 1 cup (4 ounces) halved mixed olives.
08 - 1 cup (2 ounces) grated parmesan cheese or other hard cheese.
09 - 1 cup (6 ounces) fresh mozzarella balls, chopped.
10 - 1/3 cup fresh parsley or basil, optional.
11 - 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or champagne vinegar.
12 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste.
13 - 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper.
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
15 - 2 to 3 tablespoons juice from pepperoncini jar, optional.
16 - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil.

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender, approximately 6 to 10 minutes. Check the package for recommended cooking time.
02 - While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing in the bottom of a large bowl. Whisk together the red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, pepperoncini juice (if using), and olive oil until well combined.
03 - Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool. Add the pasta to the bowl with the dressing and mix well to ensure every piece is coated.
04 - Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, green onions, pepperoncini (if using), olives, parmesan, and mozzarella. Add herbs if desired.
05 - Taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
06 - The salad can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

# Notes:

01 - You can prepare this salad in advance, as the flavors enhance over time.
02 - Reserve some dressing separately and refresh the salad just before serving for the best taste.
03 - This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to substitute or add ingredients according to season and availability.

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