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Lemon Pepper Pasta Salad

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Servings:

Flavors Used:

This Lemon Pepper Pasta Salad is made for 4th of July parties, cookouts, and any time you need a cold side dish that brings big flavor. It pairs Dan-Good with grilled chicken, burgers, brats, ribs, or anything hot off the grill. Tri-color rotini gets tossed with fresh basil, lemon juice, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, black olives, and a bright vinaigrette that’s sweet, tangy, and fresh. Dan-O’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning brings that bold citrus kick, while Dan-O’s Italian-O adds the classic herb flavor that ties the basil, tomato, mozzarella, and pasta together. It’s fresh, flavorful, and ready to Sprinkle Generously.

Ingredients

3 tbsp Dan-O’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning
2 tbsp Dan-O’s Cheesoning
1 tbsp Dan-O’s Italian-O
2 lb tri-color rotini pasta
Salt, for pasta water
1 oz fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 lemons, juiced
2 to 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp honey
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
12 oz small tomatoes, halved
1 lb fresh mozzarella pearls
1 small can black olives, drained
Lemon zest, from 1 lemon

Preparation Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook until done, about 10 to 12 minutes or according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, then return it to the pot.
Cool the Pasta: Add ice and cold water to the pot with the drained pasta. Stir for a few minutes until the pasta is chilled, then remove the ice from the top and drain off any extra water.
Make the Lemon Pepper Vinaigrette: Add the chopped basil to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dan-O’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Dan-O’s Cheesoning, and Dan-O’s Italian-O until everything is well combined.
Adjust the Vinaigrette: Taste the vinaigrette, then stir in the apple cider vinegar and remaining olive oil. Mix again until the dressing is smooth, bright, and well balanced.
Add the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Cut the tomatoes in half and add them to the vinaigrette. Add the mozzarella pearls, then gently stir so they start soaking up all that lemon pepper flavor.
Mix the Pasta Salad: Add the chilled pasta and drained black olives to the bowl. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives are mixed throughout.
Finish and Serve: Add fresh lemon zest over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining Dan-O’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning. Give the pasta salad one final toss, serve cold, and Yum Yum Get Ya Sum!