Pasta Salad with Pepperoni

This Italian-style pasta salad with pepperoni, green olives, and mozzarella cheese is delicious and versatile, and can be served for lunch or dinner at any time of the year.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 521 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• ⅔ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 (16 ounce) box penne pasta
• ½ teaspoon paprika, or to taste
• 1 (12 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup pepperoni slices, cut into quarters
• ¼ cup Manzanilla olives, sliced
• 2 green onions, or more to taste, thinly sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to stop cooking process. Drain again.

Step 2

Mix together 2/3 of the mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, pepperoni, olives, green onions, parsley, vinegar, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add pasta and toss until coated. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and paprika on top. Refrigerate 1 1/2 hours before serving.