How to Make Spiral Pasta Salad with Pepperoni

I make this variation of pasta salad for almost every barbecue or get together. My mother actually requests it! Here's how to make this simple and hearty side dish!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A box of multi-color spiral pasta
• One green pepper
• Half of a block of mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni
• One bottle of Italian dressing
• 1/4 vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon parsley

1. First, prepare the pasta. Add one box of spiral pasta to 2 cups of boiling, salted water. Cook until al dente. Drain the pasta, then run the pasta under cool water, stir and drain. Place the cooked and cooled pasta in a bowl and place aside.

2. Now, dice the green peppers into small pieces.

3. Dice the pepperoni into small strips or pieces. I usually buy the pre-bagged pepperoni that is pre-cut into round pieces then dice those pieces even smaller. I have tried using salami for this recipe, but I prefer the pepperoni.

4. Dice the mozzarella into small cubes. Place aside.

5. Take the bowl that the pasta is in and add the green peppers, and pepperoni. Add the vinegar and the half of a bottle of italian dressing. Mix well. Add the pepper.

6. Now, sprinkle the cheese cubes on top, mix and then add the parsly (fresh or parsley flakes)

7. Refrigerate until you serve.

Tips & Warnings

• If I need to serve the next day, I place the cheese in a separate bowl and add the day of the event so the cheese won't get too soft.
• Also, if serving the next day, check to see that the pasta salad hasn't become too dry and add more Italian dressing.
• I like to add vinegar and ground pepper for an extra kick, but you can omit according to your preference.

[flor2729]

on 11/20/2009 Wonderful recipe.

[southerngirl09]

on 11/6/2009 Thanks for sharing your recipe for Spiral Pasta Salad with Pepperoni. My daughter will love this. Saving to favorites. 5*

[tracysmith159]

on 10/4/2009 This sounds good. I'll give this a try with my children.