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Zesty Pasta Salad with Pepperoni and Artichoke Hearts

zesty pasta salad with pepperoni and artichoke hearts - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, spicy pepperoni, tangy artichoke hearts, and a zesty dressing, perfect for summer parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini or corkscrew pasta
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) sliced and quartered pepperoni
  • 1 cup (about 140 grams) quartered artichoke hearts, drained
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • For the dressing:
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of rotini pasta and cook until just al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to drain completely (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Place the sliced and quartered 6 ounces (170 grams) of pepperoni into the dressing bowl. Stir to coat well and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, 1 cup quartered artichoke hearts, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/2 cup sliced black olives. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Pour the pepperoni and dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Add more olive oil or vinegar if needed.
  6. Chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley and sprinkle over the salad. Toss lightly once more.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir gently and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

Salt pasta water well for better flavor. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sogginess. Let pepperoni marinate in dressing for extra flavor. Prepare salad ahead and chill for best taste. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, pepperoni, artichoke hearts, summer salad, easy recipe, party salad, rotini pasta, zesty dressing

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/zesty-pasta-salad-with-pepperoni-and-artichoke-hearts-easy-recipe-for-summer-parties/