Simple Italian Pasta Salad

This week for Itty Bitty Budget, I wanted something that I could make ahead and store in the fridge all day while we played. This simple Italian Pasta Salad more than fit the bill - just five ingredients, came together like a snap, and tasted even better after chilling for a few hours.

As always, check out the post at Penny Pinching Parent for cost break-down, as well as my musings on using each ingredient to its fullest potential to get the most bang for your buck.

Simple Italian Pasta Salad

1 box/bag dried pasta (I used a 12 oz bag of Wacky Mac, which we had never had before - Abby was enthralled by her "pretty pasta")
3 Italian sausages, casings removed
1 10-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (I got the ones seasoned with garlic)
2 Tbsp olive oil
4 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed (or use shredded mozzarella, if you prefer)

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.

While the pasta is boiling, cook sausages in a medium saucepan. Remove casing from sausage and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, over medium heat until all pink is gone. Drain the fat, and add the sausage to the pasta.

Drain the canned tomatoes, reserving 1/4 cup of the tomato juice. Add the tomatoes and mozzarella to the pasta.

Whisk the 2 Tbsp olive oil into the 1/4 cup of tomato juice. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss all ingredients to combine thoroughly. Chill until ready to serve.