Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Pepperoni Cold Pasta Salad recipe is an easy cold pasta salad with Italian dressing, pepperoni, 2 cheeses, and fresh vegetables. Cold Pasta Salad with Pepperoni is perfect for a large crowd, potlucks, and summer BBQ’s!

Cold pasta salads are my go-to dish for potlucks because it seems like everyone loves them and you can make them ahead of time! A few of my favorites are this easy Greek pasta salad or the traditional macaroni salad that seems to be a hit with young and old!

This pepperoni pasta salad happens to be one of my favorite cold pasta salads! It’s essentially just summer on a plate and it’s irresistibly tasty. I love that this is really easy to put together too. I chop up the veggies while the pasta is cooking and I am always done before the pasta is! Easy peasy.

And if you love this recipe and need some more summer dish ideas, then give these a try: broccoli salad, grilled corn salad with tomato and avocado, easy fruit salad, and homemade chicken salad.

Why You’ll Love this Pepperoni Pasta Salad

• This is a wonderful make ahead recipe. Make it the day before you need it and then let it chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
• If you have picky eaters who always request pizza, then give this recipe a try. It’s always a crowd pleaser no matter where I serve it!
• Easily adapt and change this Italian pepperoni pasta salad to fit your preferences. There are loads of ingredients you can add and feel free to omit anything you don’t like.

Ingredients for Pepperoni Pasta Salad

• Small pasta – You can use any shape such as fusilli, penne, macaroni, or bow tie. Just be sure to cook it al dente!
• Fresh parmesan cheese – Don’t use that bottled parmesan cheese. Either buy fresh grated at the grocery store or grate from a block of cheese yourself.
• Fresh mozzarella pearls – If you can’t find fresh mozzarella pearls you can use cubed regular mozzarella.
• Pepperoni – This is the star of the show! Feel free to add extra pepperoni if you want.
• Roma tomatoes – Dice up some juicy Roma tomatoes and add them to this salad. You could also use cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes.
• Green bell pepper – I prefer the flavor of green bell pepper in this pasta salad, but feel free to use a different color.
• Black olives – Some people aren’t a fan of black olives, so you can omit this if you need to.
• Red onion – the powerful flavor of red onion adds a nice touch to this pepperoni pasta salad recipe.
• Pepperoncini – This is my secret ingredient to making the best pepperoni pasta salad.
• Italian salad dressing – You can either make your own Italian salad dressing or use your favorite from the grocery store.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Once everything is mixed together, add salt and pepper to taste.

How to Store Leftover Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Pepperoni pasta salad tastes best when it is made in advance. I like to make it a day in advance. Leftovers store well and will last for 5-7 days in the refrigerator.

Why is my Pasta Salad mushy?

The main cause of mushy pasta salad is overcooked noodles. Don’t overcook your pasta because the acids from the dressing can break down the starches even further.

Are You Supposed to Add Salt to Pasta Water?

It is not always necessary to add salt to pasta water. However, I prefer this method because it adds a little bit more flavor to whatever dish I am making. Keep in mind, that adding salt to water will increase how long it takes to boil.

What to Serve with Pepperoni Pasta Salad

This tasty side dish pairs well with all of your summer favorites. Serve it with things like burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, and even wings.

It’s great for potlucks too, especially when served with pulled pork sliders! It’s a wonderful way to round out an easy lunch like air fryer chicken tenders, tuna salad sandwich, and pizza bagels too.

Need more ideas? Check these out:

• Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks
• Chicken Pineapple Kabobs
• Garlic Baked Pork Chops
• BBQ Chicken Kabobs
• Cheesy Meatloaf

So if you are in need of a pasta salad that is FULL of flavor, easy to make, and feeds a crowd this Cold Pasta Salad with Pepperoni is what you need!! Trust me your people will not be disappointed!

More Cold Pasta Salad Recipes!

• Bruschetta Caprese Pasta Salad
• Cashew Chicken Rotini Salad
• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
• Chicken Pasta Salad
• The BEST Creamy Pasta Salad

Grilled Corn Salad with Tomato and Avocado

Creamy Key Lime Fruit Salad

Homemade Chicken Salad

Nothing like a classic Tuna Pasta Salad to beat the heat in the summer!

Buffalo Chicken Jar Salad – Easy, Light and Healthy Lunch Full of Flavor!

This creamy Dill Potato Salad is a delicious twist on your traditional version.

Quick and easy creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad comes together quickly for summer picnics and potlucks.