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Fresh Classic Pasta Salad Recipe with Italian Dressing and Pepperoni

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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring rotini or penne pasta, fresh veggies, pepperoni, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for summer meals, picnics, or light lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 6 ounces sliced pepperoni, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley (optional garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly. Drain well.
  2. While the pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and red bell pepper. Thinly slice red onion and slice black olives if using. Toss these in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Slice pepperoni into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl. Shred mozzarella cheese and add as well.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, lemon juice, and honey or sugar. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with veggies, pepperoni, and cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every bite. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and keep texture firm. Dry veggies thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Dress just before serving or storing to prevent mushy pasta. Adjust seasoning gradually. For a vegetarian version, omit pepperoni and add chickpeas or artichokes. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten sensitivities.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Italian dressing, pepperoni, summer recipe, easy picnic food, rotini pasta salad, quick pasta salad

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/fresh-classic-pasta-salad-recipe-with-italian-dressing-and-pepperoni-perfect-for-easy-summer-meals/