Ingredients
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16 oz rotini pasta, cooked
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1/2–3/4 cup Italian dressing
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1/2 cup roasted red peppers, diced
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1/2 yellow onion, diced
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2 oz black olives, sliced
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1/2 cucumber, peeled and diced
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12 slices chicken ham, chopped
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10 cheddar cheese sticks, chopped
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1 cup turkey sausage sticks, sliced thin
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan
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1 small pie pumpkin (for serving)
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until tender.
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Drain pasta well and allow it to cool slightly. Shake colander gently to release excess water.
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Dice roasted red peppers and yellow onion.
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Peel and dice cucumber into small cubes.
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Slice black olives thinly.
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Chop chicken ham into bite-sized pieces.
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Slice turkey sausage sticks into thin rounds.
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Chop cheddar cheese sticks into small cubes.
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Place cooked pasta in a large bowl.
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Add vegetables, chicken ham, turkey sausage, and cheese cubes.
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Pour 1/2 cup Italian dressing over mixture.
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Toss gently until ingredients are evenly coated.
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Taste and add extra dressing if desired.
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Transfer salad to serving dish or hollowed pumpkin.
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Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
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Cover salad and chill in refrigerator until serving
Notes
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For extra crunch, add diced bell pepper or sweet corn. Additionally, you may use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a milder taste. Always chill the salad before serving because it enhances texture and flavor. Serving inside a pumpkin is optional but adds a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes