Keys Pasta Salad (Large-Group Recipe)

This vibrant and easy-to-make pasta salad is a crowd favorite at parties, picnics, and family gatherings. The combination of tri-colored pasta, fresh veggies, and flavorful dressing makes it a perfect addition to any summer spread. This scaled-up recipe will serve 12-14 people, making it ideal for larger groups, and the simple ingredients ensure that it remains easy to prepare. 

Ingredients: 

1. 2 pounds tri-colored spiral pasta 

2. 2 (16 ounce) bottles Italian-style salad dressing 

3. 12 tablespoons salad seasoning mix 

4. 4 cups cherry tomatoes, diced 

5. 2 green bell peppers, chopped 

6. 2 red bell peppers, diced 

7. 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped 

8. 2 (2.25 ounce) cans black olives, chopped 

Directions: 

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10-12 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain. 

2. In a bowl, whisk the Italian dressing and salad seasoning mix together until smooth. 

3. Combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives in a large salad bowl. 

4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. 

5. For the best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for 8 hours to overnight. 

6. Enjoy your delicious and colorful pasta salad! 

Suggestions for Customization and Variations: 

You can customize the vegetables based on your preferences or availability, such as adding cucumbers, zucchini, or steamed broccoli. 

For extra flavor, try adding cubes of cheese, pepperoni slices, or ham cubes. 

For a tangy twist, incorporate some chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the dressing. 

Consider adding mozzarella balls or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to elevate the flavor. 

If you like a little crunch, add some chopped nuts like almonds or cashews. 

To make it more filling, add some protein like grilled chicken, beans, or chickpeas. 

If you’re serving this as a main dish, you can even top it with sliced boiled eggs or a sprinkling of bacon bits. 

This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead. The flavors meld even better after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. With its bright colors and simple ingredients, it's bound to be a hit at your next gathering!