Have you ever had to decide on what to bring to a potluck? We were in this situation a few weeks ago. Even though we’re both avid cooks, we still went through what I’ll call a ‘Potluck Decision-Making Checklist‘: easy to make (because we were short on time), easy to carry (the NYC Subway system is not conducive for carrying delicate dishes, especially when dodging aggressive straphangers), easy to serve, does not have to be heated, won’t break the bank, and still tastes good?

In that decision-making moment, we had a ‘ah-ha’ moment: A Primavera Pasta Salad! How could you go wrong with pasta, flavorful pepperoni, fresh cheese, juicy tomatoes, and crisp veggies, all tossed in a herb infused oil based dressing? And it could not be easier to make, did not take long to prepare, could be carried through a crowded, rough, or jerky 45 minute subway ride, tastes best at room temperature, is wallet-friendly, and tastes delicious. We had a winner!

So, for your next potluck, don’t despair. We have a go-to recipe for you.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of ziti pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 3 oz of pepperoni (about 42 slices), cut in half
• 1 pint of grape tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, cut into cubes
• 2.5 oz of freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 4 oz of mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 5 oz of your favorite oil-based salad dressing (we like Aldi’s Three Cheese Vinaigrette dressing)
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a nice kick)

Juicy grape tomatoes

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Strain and rinse in cold water. Make sure the pasta is cooled before adding with the other ingredients (or else you’ll melt the cheese and steam the cucumbers).
2. While the pasta is cooking, add the broccoli to a pot with 2 TB of water and 2 teaspoons of garlic salt. Steam the broccoli on high heat for two minutes max (the broccoli should still be firm).
3. Assembly time: In a large bowl, combine the cooked (and cooled) pasta, broccoli, pepperoni, tomatoes, cucumber, cheeses, dressing, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
4. Serve and enjoy! Don’t eat it all before you get to that potluck, like we almost did :).

Serve and enjoy!