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Easy Zesty Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoni

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A quick and flavorful pasta salad featuring rotini, pepperoni, fresh veggies, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 6 oz pepperoni slices, bite-sized
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls (optional)
  • Handful fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake off excess water well and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop red onion, slice Kalamata olives (if using), slice pepperoni into bite-sized pieces, and tear fresh basil leaves.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, honey, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, veggies, pepperoni, olives, and mozzarella pearls (if using). Pour dressing over and gently toss until well coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after draining. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to develop flavors. Adjust dressing seasoning to taste. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, omit mozzarella or use vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, pepperoni pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, zesty dressing, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/easy-zesty-italian-pasta-salad-with-pepperoni-recipe-for-perfect-summer-meals/