Print

Easy Italian Dressing Pasta Salad with Pepperoni

Italian Dressing Pasta Salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and flavorful pasta salad featuring rotini, pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, and a tangy Italian dressing, perfect for summer meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved or quartered
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 3/4 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • A handful of fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake off excess water well.
  3. While pasta cooks, slice 1 cup pepperoni into bite-sized pieces, halve 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, and slice 1/2 cup Kalamata olives.
  4. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, pepperoni, mozzarella, tomatoes, onion, and olives. Toss lightly to mix.
  5. Pour about 3/4 cup Italian dressing over the salad. Add a handful of chopped fresh basil, then toss everything together gently but thoroughly.
  6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, being cautious due to the saltiness of pepperoni and olives.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Overnight is even better if possible.
  8. Give the salad a final gentle toss before serving. If needed, drizzle a bit more dressing or a splash of olive oil to freshen it up.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to keep it al dente. Rinse pasta under cold water and drain well to prevent sogginess. Toss gently to avoid breaking the mozzarella. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Use fresh mozzarella balls for best texture. Adjust dressing amount to taste, considering saltiness from pepperoni and olives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Italian dressing, pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, summer recipe, easy pasta salad, picnic food, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-italian-dressing-pasta-salad-with-pepperoni-perfect-for-summer-meals/