Ingredients:
- Pasta and Cheese:
- 1 (16 oz.) package of rotini pasta (tri-color for a festive look), cooked according to package instructions and drained
- 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- Vegetables and Meat:
- 8 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved for a burst of juicy flavor
- 4 oz. sliced pepperoni, quartered for easy mixing
- Dressing:
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese for added depth
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil for a smooth, rich base
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar for a tangy contrast
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning for a classic herb flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for a mild, aromatic touch
- 1 teaspoon onion powder to enhance the savory notes
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to add a subtle kick (optional)
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Make the Dressing:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar until well combined.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese to the mixture and whisk until the dressing is slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until everything is well distributed.
- Season the dressing generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the amounts to your preference.
- Combine the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked and drained rotini pasta with the cubed mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and the quartered pepperoni slices to the bowl.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and toppings. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Final Touches and Serving:
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
- The salad can be served immediately if desired. However, for the best flavor integration, refrigerate the salad covered for at least 20 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with a little extra parmesan cheese and a few twists of black pepper just before serving to enhance the presentation and flavor.
This expanded recipe ensures that each bite of the Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad is packed with the flavors reminiscent of a classic pepperoni pizza, while the pasta and fresh ingredients make it a satisfying meal on its own.
