Pepperoni pasta salad is loaded with the satisfying flavor of pepperoni pizza and is perfect for your next potluck! This easy Italian pasta salad is always a crowd pleaser and can effortlessly be prepared in advance with a handful of simple ingredients.
What is it?
This pepperoni pasta salad recipe could also be called a pepperoni pizza pasta salad because it marries together the same classic Italian flavor and fresh ingredients. Tender pasta noodles are combined with thin slices of pepperonis, creamy chunks of mozzarella cheese, and fresh vegetables, then tossed in Italian dressing.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Rotini pasta - The ridges in rotini pasta are nice because it gives the Italian dressing something to cling to, allowing for better flavor distribution. However, making pepperoni pasta salad with tortellini would be a great choice as well!
- Mozzarella cheese - A shredded pizza blend can be substituted.
- Pepperoni slices - Mini pepperoni is great to use too. Rather than making your pasta salad with pepperoni you could substitute Italian sausage crumbles.
- Cherry tomatoes - You can substitute chopped vine-ripened tomatoes.
- Green bell pepper - Red bell pepper is also great for this easy recipe.
- Sweet onion - Red onion can be used for a stronger flavor.
- Sliced black olives
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian salad dressing
- Optional - Crushed red pepper flakes or minced garlic cloves would be great additions to this simple recipe.
How to make it
Make this pepperoni pasta salad recipe by first boiling your noodles according to the package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Then remove the noodles from the pot and rinse under cold water to cool them in a kitchen colander.
Once the noodles have cooled, place them in a large mixing bowl with the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, tomatoes, green peppers, chopped onion, olives, Parmesan cheese, and Italian dressing. Toss everything to combine, and serve.
Tip: This can be served at room temperature, but I enjoy it best kept chilled. Don't leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Storing Leftovers
This is a great recipe to make in advance because it doesn't need to be reheated. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavor and texture will be best if eaten within five days. If the noodles soak up too much dressing you can add more Italian dressing or olive oil.
Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Colander
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (cut into ½" cubes)
- 6 ounces pepperoni slices
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- ½ onion (chopped)
- 3.38 ounces can sliced black olives (drained)
- ¼ cup fresh grated parmesan
- ¾ cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- In pot of salted water, boil noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain pasta from water, rinse in a colander under cold water till cool, then add to large bowl.
- Add all ingredients to the large bowl and mix to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Nutritional Information
This pasta salad was originally published on FoxValleyFoodie.com July 25, 2017.
Jill
My family loved this!
Melissa Griffiths
Mmm...I love pasta salads, too! I recently did a huge post with 9 different varieties, but pepperoni pizza was not one of them! I've got to add this one to my repertoire! Have a great time on your trip!