Description

Secret Ingredient Pasta Salad is an easy pasta salad packed with rotini, pepperoni, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and a bold homemade Italian dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb rotini noodles

3.5–4 oz pepperoni, quartered

4 oz salami slices, quartered

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup black olives, halved

1 orange bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

2 tbsp chopped pepperoncini

8 oz mozzarella pearls

Grated Parmesan and minced parsley for topping

3/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1 tsp dried parsley

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp sugar

Instructions

1. Shake all dressing ingredients in a jar for 30 seconds and refrigerate.

2. Boil salted water and cook rotini until al dente. Drain well.

3. Pour half the dressing over warm pasta and toss.

4. Add meats, vegetables, and mozzarella pearls. Toss gently.

5. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

6. Before serving, add remaining dressing and garnish with Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

Dress pasta while warm for best flavor absorption.

Store up to 3 days refrigerated.

Add extra Parmesan before serving for stronger flavor.