An Italian-style pasta salad with sliced zucchini, red and green bell pepper strips, kalamata olives and cubes of fresh mozzarella tossed in a sassy marinara-flavored salad dressing.

Marinara Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella

3 cups rotini pasta
11/4 cups (about 12 ounces) refrigerated marinara sauce
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 (8-ounce) balls fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, sliced
1 cup kalamata olives, halved and pitted
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into small strips
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into small strips

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain; run under cold water to chill.
2. Combine the marinara sauce, vinegar, pepper sauce, and salt. Pour over the combined remaining ingredients; mix lightly. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Makes 4 servings.

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

Recipe and photograph courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.