This isn't your average pasta salad. It's loaded with crunchy toasted pepperoni, creamy mozzarella pearls, tangy pepperoncinis, crisp vegetables, and tossed in Italian dressing with a generous shake of Crove Beef Rub for a flavor boost that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
It's the perfect side dish for BBQs, cookouts, potlucks, meal prep, or just keeping in the fridge all week.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) box pasta (bowtie, penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red, green, or a mix)
- ½ red onion, diced
- 2–3 pepperoncinis, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½–1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 7–10 slices pepperoni, sliced into thin strips
- ½–1 cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 cups Olive Garden Italian Dressing (or your favorite Italian dressing)
- 2–3 tablespoons Crove Beef Rub (or season with salt and black pepper to taste)
Optional Add-Ins
- Diced cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Sliced black olives
- Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and refrigerate until completely cooled.
2. Crisp the Pepperoni
Place the pepperoni strips in a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
Crove Tip: Toasting the pepperoni is a game changer. The crispy texture and concentrated flavor make this pasta salad stand out from every other one you'll try.
3. Assemble
Add the bell pepper, onion, pepperoncinis, garlic, mozzarella pearls, Parmesan cheese, crispy pepperoni, and any optional add-ins to the cooled pasta.
Season generously with Crove Beef Rub. Start with about 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
4. Add the Dressing
Pour in about half the dressing and toss well.
Continue adding dressing until the pasta salad is well coated but not swimming in dressing. Remember, the pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it chills, so you can always add more before serving.
5. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to come together.
Serve cold and enjoy!
Crove Tips
- The toasted pepperoni is what takes this recipe over the top.
- Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so reserve a little extra dressing to freshen it up before serving leftovers.
- This pasta salad actually tastes even better the next day.
- Don't be afraid to season generously. A properly seasoned pasta salad makes all the difference.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If it seems a little dry after sitting overnight, stir in a splash of Italian dressing before serving.