Craving a mouthwatering pasta salad that will make you the culinary hero of any gathering? Look no further! This Hero Pasta Salad is not just a recipe—it's a game-changing experience that combines zesty pepperoni, creamy mozzarella, and crisp vegetables in a symphony of flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic, or just want a delicious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, this recipe is your secret weapon to instant crowd-pleasing success!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, quartered
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta (rotini or penne) to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumbers into small cubes, and slice the black olives.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, sliced black olives, quartered pepperoni, and cubed mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and ingredients. Gently toss everything together to ensure even coating.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Rotini or penne work best as they hold the dressing and ingredients beautifully.
- Cool your pasta completely to prevent it from becoming mushy and to help the dressing coat evenly.
- For maximum flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
- Feel free to customize with additional ingredients like diced bell peppers or fresh basil.
- If preparing ahead, add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
- For a lighter version, use a low-fat Italian dressing or make your own vinaigrette.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
