If you’re looking for a quick and easy pasta salad that’s packed with flavor, then this recipe is for you. With its combination of tender pasta, savory pepperoni, crisp vegetables, and a tangy Italian dressing, this salad is sure to become a summer staple.
This Italian pasta salad is not only simple to make, but it’s also customizable to your liking. You can add or remove ingredients based on your preferences, and adjust the seasoning to create the perfect taste balance.
As with any pasta salad, it’s best enjoyed chilled. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more flavorful dish. So, before serving, make sure to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you have the time.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoni
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the red onion, green bell pepper, and parsley. Slice the pepperoni.
Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. The dressing should be emulsified and well combined.
Combine the salad ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, pepperoni, chopped vegetables, and mozzarella cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat everything evenly.
Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Tips and Possible Variations
Variations: You can customize this pasta salad to your liking by adding or removing ingredients. For example, you could add other vegetables such as chopped zucchini or cherry tomatoes, or swap out the pepperoni for diced ham or salami. You could also add a handful of chopped fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor.
Tips: For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you don’t have time to chill the salad for 30 minutes, you can still serve it immediately, but the flavors won’t be as developed.
This Italian pasta salad with pepperoni is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course. It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners. With its combination of bold flavors and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.