Garbage Pasta Salad

SERVES: 8

COOK TIME: 15 Min

Quick! - Check the pantry and the fridge and grab whatever you've got on hand, 'cause you're going to need it to make a throw-together Garbage Pasta Salad that's potluck-worthy! This is one easy pasta salad that won't ever make it to the garbage.

What You'll Need

1 (12-ounce) package twist rainbow pasta
1/2 head fresh cauliflower, cut into small florets
1/2 head fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
1/2 red onion, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 cup 1/2-inch chunks Cheddar cheese
1 cup pepperoni slices, cut in half
1 (16-ounce) can black olives, drained
3/4 cup Italian dressing

What to Do

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions; drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients; add pasta and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Mr. Food Test Kitchen Tips:

This pasta salad is great made in advance, but you may need to add a little extra Italian dressing to moisten it just before serving.
Can't get enough of easy and delicious deli salads? Then check out our FREE eCookbook, Simply Deli Salads: 28 Best Recipes for Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad & More!

Nutritional InformationShow More

Servings Per Recipe: 8

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
Calories 561
Calories from Fat 329
Total Fat 37g 56 %
Saturated Fat 8.7g 44 %
Trans Fat 0.5g 0 %
Protein 18g 36 %

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
Cholesterol 47mg 16 %
Sodium 1,299mg 54 %
Total Carbohydrates 39g 13 %
Dietary Fiber 3.4g 13 %
Sugars 5.1g 0 %

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dianawarren680 308 1892

Jun 16, 2020

Im making this. It look great Thank u MR Food 5 Star

rac7431 2877525

Feb 20, 2018

Debbie 8 servings breakdown should be ok for W.W. except use light dressing. You're talking 1 oz. cheese and the only other thing is the meat. You can figure that out yourself. I see nothing wrong with the other ingredients. And on W.W. you are allowed 1/2 cup of carbs.

teresahandley 5081 384

Jul 10, 2015

Excellent salad. Was a big hit at our 4th of July dinner. Better the next day. Will definitely make it again soon!

spring359 1072658

May 26, 2015

Absolutely wonderful!!! So easy to make!! Perfect salad for summer!!

hrvrdangls 0133085

May 21, 2015

hello, this looks wonderful but, can I eat this on the weight watchers program ? If I can, can I bag it into small portions and freeze them ? thank you very much, debbie

Test Kitchen Team

May 22, 2015

Hello Debbie - We're not sure whether this is something that is allowed on the Weight Watchers program. We suggest you check in with someone over there. However, if it is allowed, you can freeze this pasta salad. It will be watery when you thaw it out, so it should be cooked in a skillet as a pasta meal. We don't recommend freezing this dish if you plan to serve it as a salad. Hope this helps!

heelermom

May 03, 2014

I have been making this pasta salad for over 20 years, but with a slight variation. I always use fresh vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots (sliced thin on an angle), diced green/red/orange peppers, radishes (sliced or diced), and red onion. I use either Kraft House Italian or Sun Dried Tomato and Oregano dressing. I have never measured anything, just go by how it looks and what I have on hand. I love to serve this in a large clear glass bowl, as it's so colorful. Always a hit at potlucks or barbeques