Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to make? Look no further than our Best Pasta Salad Ever recipe! Packed with vibrant vegetables, zesty pepperoni, and savory Parmesan cheese, this pasta salad is a guaranteed hit at picnics, potlucks, or any gathering. Join us as we delve into the world of pasta salads and discover the secret to creating a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 bag Pepperoni minis or package of pepperoni
- 1 Basil, fresh
- 1/2 qt Cherry tomatoes
- 2 Cucumbers
- 1 Green pepper
- 1/2 bottle Zesty Italian dressing
- 1 box Bow tie pasta, cooked and cooled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the pepperoni into bite-sized pieces. Chop the basil leaves, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumbers, and slice the green pepper into strips.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the sliced pepperoni, chopped basil, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and sliced green pepper.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the zesty Italian dressing over the pasta salad ingredients. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Season to Taste: Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Garnish with Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta salad as a finishing touch.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables in this pasta salad. Bell peppers, red onions, olives, or artichoke hearts would all be delicious additions.
- Switch Up the Protein: If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, you can use cooked and diced chicken, ham, or salami instead. You can also omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
- Experiment with Dressings: While zesty Italian dressing adds great flavor, you can switch it up with other dressings like balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or Caesar for different flavor profiles.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or pepperoncini peppers to the pasta salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? A: Yes, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the refrigerator. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and give it a good toss before serving.
Q: How long will this pasta salad last in the refrigerator? A: This pasta salad will typically keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first 2 days for optimal freshness.
Q: Can I make this pasta salad gluten-free? A: Absolutely! Simply substitute gluten-free pasta for the bow tie pasta, and ensure that all other ingredients, such as the pepperoni and dressing, are gluten-free as well.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd? A: Yes, you can easily double or even triple the ingredients to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a large enough mixing bowl to accommodate the additional ingredients.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Version:
- Replace Pasta: Substitute the bow tie pasta with cooked and cooled cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative.
- Use Low-Carb Dressing: Choose a keto-friendly Italian dressing with no added sugar or make your own using olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices.
Low-Carb Version:
- More Veggies, Less Pasta: Increase the ratio of vegetables to pasta to reduce the carb content of the salad. Load up on cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
- Avocado Dressing: Make a creamy avocado dressing using ripe avocados, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro to add flavor and creaminess without the carbs.
In conclusion, our Best Pasta Salad Ever recipe is a game-changer when it comes to satisfying your craving for a flavorful and satisfying dish. With its vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, savory pepperoni, and zesty dressing, this pasta salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
So whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as a light and satisfying meal on its own, this pasta salad is guaranteed to impress. Whip up a batch today and get ready to delight your taste buds with every delicious bite!
