Pasta salads are actually an American invention, so even though this great pasta salad has Italian flavors, it is probably not one you would encounter in a restaurant or home in Italy.  It is, however, a very colorful, appetizing, and healthy salad to take to a party or potluck, and is very quick to assemble, especially if you have your Italian London Broil module already prepared and in the freezer.  My favorite Italian dressing is the Restaurant-Style Italian dressing which I prepare ahead and keep in my refrigerator, but you can use any type of Italian dressing you like--store-bought in a bottle or a package which you make up fresh. I have included links for both the Italian Broil module and the Restaurant-style Italian Dressing at the bottom of this article.
 
I like to get a head start on this salad by pouring the dressing over the mushrooms and artichoke hearts in the morning before work; the remaining ingredients can be put together in about 15 minutes.  One note of caution: please use fresh Parmesan cheese rather than the kind in the green container; it makes the salad soooo much better!

Italian Steak Pasta Salad

18 Servings

2 cups Italian salad dressing, your favorite - bottled or homemade
1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, cut in quarters
1 14 oz. can artichoke hearts, quartered
           
1/2 green bell pepper, cut in strips
1/2 red bell pepper, cut in strips
1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut in strips
1/2 cup sliced black olives, drained
1/4 red onion, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced celery
2 cups Italian London Broil cut in julienne strips from the Italian London Broil Module
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound tricolor pasta spirals, cooked al dente and rinsed in cold water
 
Pour the dressing over the mushrooms and artichoke hearts; marinate at least two hours.  Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.  Refrigerate until serving time.

This salad can be made up to 1 day ahead.
 
Amount Per Serving
Calories 276 Calories from Fat 148
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 54% Protein 9% Carb. 37%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 16 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 4 mg
Sodium 345 mg
Total Carbohydrate 25 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 6 g

Vitamin A 8% Vitamin C 23% Calcium 0% Iron 4%