Easy Italian Pasta Salad

I live in Phoenix, Arizona, so I needed a Pasta Salad without MAYO. *The heat spoils it very quickly* I came up with the below pasta salad, while experimenting. I hope you all enjoy it!

• Ready In: 4 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 2 (16 ounce) packages small shell pasta
• 2  medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 (4 ounce) jar bacon bits
• 1 (8 ounce) package  finely shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 (16 ounce) bottle  of kraft  Italian dressing
• 1  medium red onion, diced
• 2  cups broccoli florets
• 1 1⁄2 cups  baby carrots, diced
• 1  red pepper, diced
• 1  green pepper, diced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (16 ounce) can  baby peas, drained
• 1 (16 ounce) package  diced ham (optional)

Directions

1. Cook both boxes of pasta as directed.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
3. Drain very well once again.
4. Dice ingredients that need it.
5. Add everything to a large bowl; mix well and cover.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours so the flavors can be absorbed. I refrigerate mine overnight.
7. Enjoy!