This easy pepperoni pasta salad is quick and delicious! It’s a great quick side dish for dinner with the family or a party!
This pasta salad recipe has been a family favorite for years. At most large gatherings and holidays, this side dish always shows up and for good reason.
Even though my side of the family has enjoyed this easy pasta salad for many years I got to introduce my husband to it while we were dating. It soon became a commonly requested dish and he looks forward to eating it every time.
What you need for pepperoni pasta salad?
- Sudden Salad Pasta Box- I love using the classic version!
- Bell Pepper- Yellow is a great contrasting color but any bell pepper works!
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts
- Black Olives
- Pepperoni- either pre-sliced or a stick that you cut works!
- Pepper Jack Cheese
- Red Onion- A little goes a long way with red onion!
All the flavors from the veggies come together so well and who doesn’t love cheese and pepperoni! Add that all to pasta and you have yourself an amazing side dish that takes only about 15 minutes to make.
What goes with pasta salad?
If you are making pasta salad as a side dish I recommend serving it alongside burgers, smoked chicken, ribeye , tri tip sandwich and a refreshing watermelon slushy, lemonade, limeade, peach iced tea or a non-alcoholic mint julep!
How to make pasta salad with pepperoni:
- Cook the pasta according to the box
- Mix together the marinade from the artichokes with water and the seasoning
- Combine the pasta with all the veggies, pepperoni and cheese
- Pour the marinade over the pasta and mix well
It’s that simple! I think the combination of all the different flavors plus how pretty it is makes it a perfect dish for anytime!
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Do you rinse pasta for cold pasta salad?
Yes. After you cook the pasta rinse it under cold water and drain.
Substitutions
- Pasta- Use 7.5 oz of your favorite pasta instead of boxed suddenly salad!
- Pasta Seasoning- If you are using plain pasta just add ½-1 cup of Italian dressing instead of the pasta seasoning mix.
How to store pasta salad?
Store pepperoni pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does pasta salad last in the fridge?
Eat pasta salad within 3-5 days.
Pepperoni Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 7.5 oz suddenly salad pasta classic box with seasoning packet
- 3 tbs water
- ½ bell pepper chopped
- 7.5 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts*
- 6 oz can large black olives
- 2 oz package pepperoni
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese cubed
- ¼ red onion chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water when done, drain and set aside.7.5 oz suddenly salad pasta
- While pasta is cooking mix together 3 tbs cold water, 2 tbs of marinade from the artichokes and the seasoning packet from the box.3 tbs water
- Chop bell pepper, artichoke hearts, onion and pepperoni to desired sizes. Cube cheese (I like to make the cheese ¼- ½ inch squares). Drain olives.½ bell pepper, 7.5 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts*, 6 oz can large black olives, 2 oz package pepperoni, 1 cup pepper jack cheese, ¼ red onion
- In a medium sized bowl combine cooked and drained pasta, all veggies, cheese and pepperoni. Pour marinade mixture over and mix thoroughly.
Notes
- *Make sure to reserve 2 tbs of the marinade for the dressing for this pasta. If you happen to accidently get rid of it simply use vegetable or olive oil instead.
- * When I can find it, I like to buy a stick of pepperoni and cut it into wedges to add to this salad. However, sliced pepperoni works great too! You just won’t need the whole package.
Nutrition
Post was updated on 7/4/2024
Stephanie says
This pasta salad looks absolutely delicious! I need to try this soon - it's picnic season now! 😀
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I love the addition of olives. I have never made pasta salad before. Definitely need to try it out sometime.
Arjhon Canoy says
We made this last night. definitely a keeper. One of our favorite recipe for pasta salad from now on. family loved it!
Lisa says
I'm so glad you liked it!
Eileen says
I love a great pasta salad. I like making them on Sunday and eating throughout the week as well. I do agree that this would be an awesome family-friendly recipe for family gatherings /
Allison Hanson says
We love those suddenly salads, especially in the summer. we think the chipotle one tastes like cool ranch doritos 🙂 Love that you are jazzing up a simple side dish.
Adriana says
Such a classic easy recipe. At home we enjoy a lot Italian cuisine favorites and I have made a similar salad but using orzo. So fresh and perfect for the FL weather.
Nicole says
My mouth was watering the whole time reading this post. I LOVE the addition of pepperoni! Your photography is gorgeous!
Lisa says
Thank you!
Melve says
I love pasta but I've never tried Pasta Salad. I can't wait to try your recipe this weekend.
Lisa says
Awesome!
Midori says
Hey, Lisa! I found you through IG! Congrats on your first post! I wish you years of success!
Lisa says
That's awesome! Thank you so much!
Susan says
How did you knowI have been craving this since yesterday!
Lisa says
It's easy to make! Let me know how you like it!