– 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta
– 1 cup of sliced pepperoni
– 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup of diced cucumbers
– 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, cubed
– ½ cup of bell peppers, diced (any color)
– ¼ cup of red onion, finely chopped
– ½ cup of black olives, sliced (optional)
– ¾ cup of Italian dressing
– 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Creating Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the rotini or penne pasta until al dente, according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, sliced pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, diced bell peppers, red onion, mozzarella cheese, and black olives (if using).
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the Italian dressing and Italian seasoning. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper based on your taste preferences.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Ensure the dressing is thoroughly distributed among the ingredients.
5. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or lid and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a good stir. Garnish with fresh basil before serving for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.
These straightforward steps will guide you through creating this incredible pasta salad effortlessly.