Description
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad with homemade dressing, featuring crunchy vegetables, savory pepperoni, and creamy provolone cheese, perfect for any gathering or BBQ.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- 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.
Notes
- Make the salad ahead of time to let the flavors meld together.
- For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Can be served with grilled meats or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg