pasta salad with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese

Pasta salad with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese is a delicious and convenient lunch or dinner option for busy families. This dish is a great way to use up leftovers you have in the fridge and it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. This dish is easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it a perfect weeknight go-to.

What You Need

To make this pasta salad, you will need:

12 ounces of macaroni pasta
2 cups of grape tomatoes, halved
3 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup of diced pepperoni
1 cup of mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/2 cup of sliced black olives
1/4 cup of red onion, diced
1/2 cup of Italian dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain. Rinse with cold water and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, grape tomatoes, spinach, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, black olives, and red onion. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.

3. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the top of the pasta salad and stir until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pasta Salad

1. Use a good quality Italian dressing for the best flavor. If you don’t have Italian dressing on hand, you can substitute with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

2. Make sure to use a high quality pasta. The type of pasta you use will affect the texture and taste of the dish.

3. To make the salad more filling, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled bacon.

4. This dish tastes best when it is served cold, so make sure to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for pasta salad?

The best type of pasta for pasta salad is short, sturdy pasta such as macaroni, penne, or rotini. These types of pasta hold up well in the salad and don’t get mushy.

How long does pasta salad last?

Pasta salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Can you freeze pasta salad?

Yes, pasta salad can be frozen for up to three months. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Can you make pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make pasta salad ahead of time. It’s best to make it the day before and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This gives the flavors plenty of time to meld together.

What can I add to pasta salad?

You can add any number of ingredients to pasta salad including cooked chicken, shrimp, crumbled bacon, olives, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, and more. Get creative and add whatever you like!