Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this tantalizing Italian pasta salad recipe. Featuring the piquant zest of pepperoni, this dish is a symphony of textures and tastes. We’ve paired the bold flavors of pepperoni with fresh veggies, savory seasonings, and a tangy dressing to create a pasta salad that will tantalize your taste buds.
An Italian pasta salad with pepperoni is a perfect addition to any picnic, potluck, or summer BBQ. It’s easy to make ahead of time and can easily be customized with your favorite veggies and ingredients. And the best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Our Italian pasta salad recipe with pepperoni is more than just a salad; it’s a culinary adventure. So gather your ingredients, grab your apron, and get ready to embark on a taste sensation that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.
Equipment and Ingredients
To make this irresistible Italian pasta salad, you’ll need a few essential ingredients and kitchen tools:
- Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) package pasta (such as penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Equipment:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
How to Make
Creating this Italian pasta salad with pepperoni is as easy as it gets:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, parsley, basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Veggies and Pepperoni: Add the cooked pasta, diced red onion, bell peppers, and sliced pepperoni to the dressing and stir to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta salad and serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Tips and Variations
Our Italian pasta salad with pepperoni is endlessly versatile. Here are some ideas for customizing it:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha to the dressing for an extra kick.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables, such as chopped artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or sliced olives.
- Use a different dressing: If you’re not feeling the red wine vinegar, try a balsamic vinaigrette or lemon-herb dressing instead.
No matter how you choose to make it, our Italian pasta salad with pepperoni is sure to become a favorite. So get ready to toss, taste, and indulge in a culinary experience that will make you want to say “Buon Appetito!”