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Easy Zesty Summer Pasta Salad with Pepperoni Olives

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A quick and flavorful pasta salad featuring rotini or penne pasta, pepperoni, olives, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1 cup pitted black olives, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down slightly. The pasta should be warm, not hot.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon sugar or honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta, 1 cup sliced pepperoni, 1 cup halved black olives, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped red onion (if using), and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors marry. Toss gently before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente is best. Toss pasta with dressing while warm to absorb flavors. Adjust salt carefully as pepperoni and olives add saltiness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. For dairy-free, omit or substitute mozzarella. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, summer salad, pepperoni salad, party recipe, easy pasta salad, zesty dressing, olives, quick recipe

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-zesty-summer-pasta-salad-with-pepperoni-olives-perfect-for-parties/