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Creamy Loaded Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoni

creamy loaded italian pasta salad with pepperoni - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy Italian pasta salad loaded with pepperoni, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing, perfect for parties and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 6 ounces pepperoni slices
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely (about 10 minutes).
  2. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium green bell pepper, slice ½ cup black olives, and finely chop ¼ cup red onion. Slice 6 ounces pepperoni into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, prepared veggies, pepperoni, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour the creamy dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until well coated using a folding motion.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and sprinkle 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley on top.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Use quality mayonnaise for best flavor. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. If dressing is too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water. Salad tastes better the next day. For vegetarian or dairy-free versions, swap pepperoni and cheese accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, pepperoni pasta salad, party salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/creamy-loaded-italian-pasta-salad-with-pepperoni-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-parties/