Savory Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad Delight
Transform your pasta night into a vibrant, flavor-packed dish with this Savory Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad Delight! This fun and colorful salad is inspired by the classic flavors of pepperoni pizza, seamlessly blending al dente shell pasta, spicy pepperoni, and a melty medley of fresh cheeses. With the addition of an array of crunchy vegetables and a zesty vinaigrette, every bite bursts with texture and taste. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a delightful weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a new favorite among kids and adults alike!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
shell pasta
1 lb (cooked)
sliced pepperoni
1 lb (chopped)
tomatoes
2 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
fresh mozzarella cheese
1/4 lb (cut into 1/2" cubes)
cheddar cheese
1/4 lb (cut into 1/2" cubes)
sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup (cut into slivers)
fresh mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
bell pepper
1 cup (diced, assorted colors)
shallot
1/2 cup (minced)
red wine vinegar
1/4 cup
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
black olive tapenade
1 tablespoon
honey
2 tablespoons
pure olive oil
3/4 cup
salt
to taste
freshly ground black pepper
to taste
fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup (cut into chiffonade)
fresh oregano leaves
2 tablespoons (minced)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the shell pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool.
2
While the pasta is cooling, chop the pepperoni and prepare the vegetables: dice the bell peppers, slice the mushrooms, and mince the shallot.
3
Cut the fresh mozzarella and cheddar cheeses into 1/2" cubes.
4
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped pepperoni, tomatoes, mozzarella, cheddar, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, bell pepper, and shallots.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, black olive tapenade, honey, and pure olive oil until smooth and well combined.
6
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture, then gently toss to evenly coat all the ingredients.
7
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the fresh basil and oregano, tossing once more to incorporate.
8
Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
31g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad Delight?
It is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines the classic flavors of pepperoni pizza with al dente shell pasta, various cheeses, and a zesty vinaigrette.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of shell pasta.
How much pepperoni is required?
You will need 1 lb of sliced pepperoni, which should be chopped for the salad.
What kinds of cheese are included in the salad?
The salad features a medley of 1/4 lb of fresh mozzarella cheese and 1/4 lb of cheddar cheese.
Are there any fresh vegetables in this dish?
Yes, it includes tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, bell peppers (assorted colors), and shallots.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing is a mix of red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, black olive tapenade, honey, and pure olive oil.
Is there a sweetener in the vinaigrette?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of honey to balance the dressing.
How should the mozzarella and cheddar be prepared?
Both the fresh mozzarella and the cheddar cheese should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
Does the recipe use sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes cut into slivers is added for extra flavor.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
The salad should sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What fresh herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with fresh basil leaves (chiffonade) and minced fresh oregano leaves.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta salad?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 25g per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This pasta salad provides 11g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
The dish contains 31g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is black olive tapenade essential?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of black olive tapenade to add a savory depth to the dressing.
How do you prepare the shallots?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of minced shallots.
Can this be served immediately after mixing?
While you can, it is highly recommended to let it chill for 30 minutes to improve the taste.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its vibrant colors and crowd-pleasing pizza flavors make it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 18 distinct ingredients in this recipe.
How should the tomatoes be cut?
The 2 tomatoes should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of pure olive oil.
How are the bell peppers prepared?
You should use 1 cup of diced bell peppers in assorted colors.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cook the shell pasta according to package directions, then drain and cool it.
How is the dressing mixed?
The dressing ingredients should be whisked together in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined.
Is the pasta rinsed after cooking?
The instructions state to drain the pasta and set it aside to cool before combining with other ingredients.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms.
Can I season the salad with extra salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and freshly ground black pepper should be added to taste.
What is the chiffonade technique used for in this recipe?
The chiffonade technique is used to cut the 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves into thin ribbons.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
This is a pasta salad dish, intended to be served cold after chilling in the refrigerator.