Shelly's Recipe

MARINARA PASTA SALAD WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA

Category: Pasta Salads

3 cups rotini pasta
1 1/4 cups (about 12 oz) refrigerated marinara sauce
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 to 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce
1/4 tsp salt
2 balls (8 oz each) fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, sliced
1 cup marinated olives, halved and pitted
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into small strips
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into small strips

Cook the pasta according to the pkg directions. Drain; run under cold water to chill.

Combine the marinara sauce, vinegar, pepper sauce, and salt. Pour over the combined remaining ingredients; mix lightly. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Variation: Omit the marinara sauce, vinegar, pepper sauce, and salt. Toss the ingredients with 1/2 cup prepared oil and vinegar salad dressing.