pepperoni pasta salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best pepperoni pasta salad recipe

I’ve been making this pepperoni pasta salad recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, but still packs a lot of flavor.

I think what I love most about this recipe is the combination of tangy pepperoni, creamy mozzarella, and crunchy vegetables all mixed together with some good ol’ fashioned pasta. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family.

I’ve tried making this recipe with different types of pasta, but I find that bowtie or penne works best. The fun shape of the pasta holds onto the sauce perfectly, and it makes the dish feel more like a special occasion meal.

Plus, the kids love eating their veggies when they’re mixed in with all that cheesy goodness! As for the pepperoni, I like to use a combination of sweet and hot peppers for added depth of flavor.

And don’t even get me started on the importance of using high-quality mozzarella cheese – it makes all the difference in the world! One thing I’ve learned over the years is that this recipe is incredibly versatile.

You can customize it to your liking by adding in your favorite vegetables, using different types of cheese, or even adding some protein like cooked chicken or turkey.

Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Pepperoni Pasta Salad

4.9 from 1592 votes

This pepperoni pasta salad combines tender pasta, spicy pepperoni, and fresh vegetables in a tangy Italian dressing. It is a perfect side dish for barbecues or a satisfying main course for a quick lunch.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

1 pound rotini pasta
8 ounces pepperoni, sliced and halved
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, then drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
3While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
4Whisk vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
5In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved pepperoni slices, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, black olives, red onion, green bell pepper, and fresh parsley.
6Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
7Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
8Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, you can use turkey pepperoni and reduced-fat mozzarella. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.

Watch Video Of How Pepperoni Pasta Salad Works

One thing I love about this pepperoni pasta salad recipe is how easy it is to customize to your liking. Want to add some extra veggies?

Go for it! Want to swap out the mozzarella for cheddar?

Easy peasy! This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping side dish for your next family gathering.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to serve this dish, try tossing in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color and flavor. You could also serve it as a main course by adding some crusty bread on the side – just be sure to adjust the amount of dressing accordingly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this pepperoni pasta salad recipe, I recommend using bowtie or penne pasta. The fun shape of these pastas holds onto the sauce perfectly and makes the dish feel more like a special occasion meal.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?

While mozzarella is my go-to cheese for this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other types of cheese. Cheddar or parmesan work well too – just keep in mind that they’ll change the flavor profile slightly.

Q: How do I store leftover pepperoni pasta salad?

To store leftover pepperoni pasta salad, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I add protein to this recipe?

Sure thing! Cooked chicken or turkey work great in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the amount of dressing accordingly.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover pepperoni pasta salad?

To reheat leftover pepperoni pasta salad, simply place it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop by adding a splash of water and cooking over low heat until warmed through.

Similar Posts