Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any gathering, picnic, or BBQ. The combination of crunchy vegetables, savory pepperoni, and creamy provolone cheese paired with a zesty homemade dressing creates a refreshing, satisfying salad. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite at your next get-together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this pasta salad stand out is the homemade dressing that perfectly balances tangy, savory, and herby flavors. The mix of fresh vegetables, pepperoni, and cheese adds a variety of textures and tastes, while the tri-color rotini pasta gives the salad a colorful and inviting appearance. It’s a quick and versatile recipe that can be made in advance and chilled, making it an excellent choice for a no-fuss, make-ahead dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta Salad:

• 1 (8-ounce) package uncooked tri-color rotini pasta

• 6 ounces pepperoni sausage, diced

• 6 ounces provolone cheese, cubed

• 1 medium red onion, very thinly sliced and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced

• ¾ cup chopped green bell pepper

• ¾ cup chopped red bell pepper

• 1 (6-ounce) can pitted black olives, drained

• ¼ cup minced fresh parsley

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Salad Dressing:

• ½ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup red wine vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon ground mustard seed

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and drain again.

2. Combine the pasta and ingredients: Transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl. Add the pepperoni, provolone cheese, red onion, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine.

3. Make the dressing: In a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, basil, oregano, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. Seal the jar and shake well until the dressing is fully mixed.

4. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated.

5. Serve or chill: Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before serving. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 8

Variations

• Add protein: You can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey for a more substantial meal.

• Vegan variation: Use plant-based pepperoni and swap out the provolone and Parmesan with vegan cheese.

• More veggies: Add other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or avocado for extra color and flavor.

• Spicy version: For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store the dressing separately, it can last in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Reheating: Pasta salad is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. Just toss it again before serving if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to substitute tri-color rotini with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni.

2. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pasta salad can be made up to 8 hours in advance. In fact, the flavors improve after it has had time to chill and marinate.

3. Can I use a store-bought dressing instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use any store-bought Italian or vinaigrette dressing, but the homemade dressing really elevates the flavors.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or spicy pepperoni to give the pasta salad a kick.

5. Can I make this pasta salad gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

6. How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftover pasta salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it covered.

7. Can I add other cheeses to the salad?

Definitely! Feel free to add mozzarella, feta, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I use fresh herbs in place of dried ones?

Yes, you can use fresh basil and oregano if you have them on hand. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

9. Can I freeze pasta salad?

Pasta salad is best served fresh and is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the vegetables and pasta may change.

10. What should I serve this pasta salad with?

This pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a larger picnic spread.

Conclusion

This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is a perfect dish for any occasion. The combination of hearty pasta, savory cheese, tangy dressing, and fresh vegetables makes it a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a picnic, this versatile salad will always be a hit. With the added bonus of being able to prepare it ahead of time, it’s a stress-free dish that’s sure to shine on your table!