Mom's Keilbasa Pasta Salad

Submitted by MarthaStewartWanabe

"When my mom or I make her version of pasta salad, we always get rave reviews. We like it because it differs from typical pasta salad in that it uses smoked Keilbasa sausage, colby-jack cheese, cheddar cheese, lots of veggies and parmesan-Italian dressing that ties it all together. Now don't get me wrong. I enjoy many types of pasta salad, but truth be told, Mom's version will always be #1 in my book. :)"

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 8-10

ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) box rotini pasta, rainbow, cooked
• 1 (14 ounce) package smoked sausage, Keilbasa (I prefer Hillshire Farms Turkey Smoked Sausage)
• 1 red bell pepper, medium, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, medium, sliced
• 1 red onion, medium, sliced
• 1 cup seedless cucumber, quartered and sliced
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 8 ounces colby-monterey jack cheese, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian dressing (parmesan variety)

directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, rinse with cold water, drain thoroughly and place in an extra large bowl.
2. While pasta is cooking, chop all the vegetables, cheeses and Keilbasa as directed above. Place all in the extra large bowl with the pasta.
3. Pour entire bottle of Italian dressing over everything and toss to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. (Note: I recommend making this salad well ahead of time to allow the dressing to marinate with the other ingredients and intensify the flavor, but serve immediately if you wish).