Mary and I like Costco’s cauliflower pizza. It’s lower in carbs and calories than most frozen pizza but is very tasty, especially if you prefer a crisper crust. But, like any pre-packaged food, it’s still looks a little plain on the table unless it’s jazzed up a bit with a side or two. We usually add some pepperoni and fresh tomatoes to the pizza, basil or another veg we might happen to have in the fridge. Often, we’ll made a salad to go with our meal—but that’s kind of boring too.
So I thought…what can I do to make this easy simple, plain dinner a little more appetizing?
Just so happens, in my cupboard was some Tri-colored fusilli, and feeling a little gutsy, I ventured to prepare an Italian style pasta salad from scratch while making up a recipe as I went. I have to say, it turned out pretty darn good (Mary Approved!).
It’s easy to make and doesn’t take long at all.
![](https://thenakedpeacock.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Withpizza-2-1024x768.jpg)
Ingredients: (What I had on hand) Makes 4-8 servings
![](https://thenakedpeacock.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/INGRED-1-1024x768.jpg)
8 to 10 oz. of Multi-colored macaroni noodles
2 Tbsp. Olive oil
2 Tbsp. Red wine vinegar
2-3 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 to 1½ cups Fresh tomatoes (Bite sized chunks).
½ (all I had) cup Red Pepper (diced)
½ cup onions (diced)
½ cup antipasti (I had the Costco Beretta brand and cut into ¼ size pieces).
![](https://thenakedpeacock.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AP_PKG-768x1024.jpg)
![](https://thenakedpeacock.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AP_CUT-1024x768.jpg)
¼ to ½ cup Feta cheese (crumbled).
Steps:
Cook pasta (don’t overcook).
Drain and put in large bowl
![](https://thenakedpeacock.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cookedpasta-1024x768.jpg)
HOLD Tomatoes and cheese. Don’t put these in yet. Tomatoes will get soggy and cheese will melt. Tomatoes seem to hold shape after cutting if they are chilled (or semi-frozen) before cutting into them.
Add olive oil, vinegar, seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper, onions, antipasti and mix well—then mix again to combine evenly.
Put in refrigerator to chill (1 – 2 hours)
Add tomatoes and cheese. Mix well and serve.
![](https://thenakedpeacock.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/C099F275-0711-480F-A83B-E5B652EDBABB_1_105_c-1.jpeg)
![](https://thenakedpeacock.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Withpizza-1024x768.jpg)