Italian-Style Pasta Toss ================== SALAD - Combine in large bowl: ------------------------------------------- 12 oz. pasta, cooked and drained (rotini is good, especially with 3 types: spinach, tomato, and plain) 8 oz. hard salami, cubed 8 oz. cheese, cubed (mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone are all suitable, or a mixture may be used) 1 sweet red pepper, cut into 1" pieces 1 sweet green pepper, cut into 1" pieces 1 head broccoli, cut into florets 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets 1 small zucchini 1 small summer squash (crookneck or straightneck white or yellow squash is good, as well as pattypan) 1/2 c. fresh chives, chopped 4 Roma tomatoes, cut into small chunks 6 oz. sliced ripe olives, drained 1 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese (or more to taste) DRESSING - blend in food processor or blender: ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1/4 c. red wine vinegar 3/4 to 1 c. olive oil 2 T. Italian seasoning (or use individual herbs, such as oregano, thyme, basil, etc.) 1/2 to 3/4 t. freshly ground black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley DRESSING VARIATION: ------------------- 1/2 to 3/4 cup bottled fat-free Italian salad dressing Mix salad ingredients together in large bowl. Blend dressing ingredients; pour over salad and toss to thoroughly coat pasta and vegetables. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Makes: 8-10 main dish servings; 12-14 side dish servings