Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoni
This is the BEST Italian pasta salad recipe that is an absolute crowd pleaser. It is a bright and flavorful cold pasta salad that features fresh vegetables, parmesan cheese, and of course, pepperonis all in one large bowl.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces pepperoni slices, quartered
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bell pepper diced, green, red, yellow, or orange
- 4 ounce can of sliced olives, drained
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup Zesty Italian Dressing, or homemade dressing below
Homemade Italian Dressing
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the veggies and add to a large serving bowl.
- After the pasta is done, drain in a colander and allow pasta to come to room temperature.
- While the pasta cools, make your dressing.
- Add the dressing ingredients to a mason jar, put on the lid, and give it a shake to mix it up!
- Add the pasta to the large serving bowl. Add the dressing to the large serving bowl. Toss the salad.
- Add the cheese and pepperoni to the salad and toss once more. Serve immediately.