FAST FIX

CONTEST-WINNING PICNIC PASTA SALAD

My family’s not big on traditional pasta salads made with mayonnaise, so when I served this colorful version that uses Italian dressing, it was a big hit. This crowd-pleaser is loaded with vegetables, beans and tricolor pasta.

—FELICIA FIOCCHI VINELAND, NJ



START TO FINISH: 25 MIN. • MAKES: 14-16 SERVINGS


1 package (12 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta

1 package (10 ounces) refrigerated tricolor tortellini

1 jar (7 1/2 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, undrained

1/2 pound fresh broccoli florets (about 1 3/4 cups)

12 ounces provolone cheese, cubed

12 ounces hard salami, cubed

1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped

1 medium green pepper, chopped

1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

2 cans (2 1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained

1 medium red onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 envelopes Italian salad dressing mix

1. Cook the spiral pasta and tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the artichokes, broccoli, provolone cheese, salami, peppers, chickpeas, olives, onion and garlic.

2. Prepare salad dressing according to package directions; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately |or cover and refrigerate.