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Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing


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  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  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.

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