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Pepperoni Pasta Salad Recipe

Pepperoni Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing

Bold and zesty vegan pepperoni pasta salad with homemade Italian dressing—perfect for meal prep, potlucks, and camping trips!
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Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegan
Keyword: vegan pepperoni pasta salad
Servings: 0

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

  • 12 oz pasta rotini, fusilli, or penne; use gluten-free if needed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 3/4 cup roasted red peppers chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup vegan pepperoni brands like Sweet Earth, Field Roast, or homemade
  • 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts chopped
  • 1/2 cup vegan cheddar shreds I prefer Vevan or Daiya
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil &/or parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp capers optional, for extra briny flavor

For the Homemade Italian Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2-3 tbsp red wine vinegar depending on tanginess
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp maple syrup or agave balances acidity
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional for spice

Instructions

Pasta Salad

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente then drain and rinse under cold water to stop it from cooking longer.
  • If you have time, cook the pasta the day before then put in the fridge to cool overnight.
  • While the pasta cools, chop all the veggies and slice the vegan pepperoni.

Assemble the Salad

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, cucumber, red onion, vegan pepperoni, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers.
  • Add the vegan cheese and fresh herbs.
  • Pour the homemade Italian dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Garnish with extra fresh herbs before serving.

Make the Dressing

  • In a small jar, shake together all the dressing ingredients. Or, for a creamier dressing, blend together in small blender cup.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!