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Easy Zesty Classic Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoni

easy zesty classic italian pasta salad with pepperoni - featured image
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A quick and flavorful Italian pasta salad featuring rotini, pepperoni, fresh veggies, and zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices, halved or quartered
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • A handful 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 pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water for about 5 minutes to stop cooking and cool it down. Drain well.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and green bell pepper, finely chop red onion, slice black olives, and slice pepperoni into halves or quarters.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped veggies, pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss gently to combine without mashing tomatoes or crushing cheese.
  5. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add a splash of red wine vinegar or crushed red pepper flakes for extra zing.
  6. Chop fresh basil and sprinkle over the salad. Toss lightly just before serving.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is key. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it quickly. Use enough dressing to coat but not soak the salad. Chop ingredients uniformly for even flavor and texture. Let salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Add fresh herbs just before serving to keep brightness. For make-ahead, keep dressing separate and toss before serving to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, pepperoni pasta salad, easy pasta salad, zesty pasta salad, rotini salad, quick dinner, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-zesty-classic-italian-pasta-salad-with-pepperoni-recipe-tips/