How to Make Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to satisfying meals that are quick and easy to prepare, pasta salads are always a great option. Not only are they versatile and delicious, but they also make for a perfect dish to bring to a potluck, picnic, or barbecue. One way to elevate a pasta salad is by making a homemade dressing instead of using store-bought options. This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with a flavorful twist.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (8 ounce) package uncooked tri-color rotini pasta
  • 6 ounces pepperoni sausage, diced
  • 6 ounces provolone cheese, cubed
  • 1 medium red onion, very thinly sliced and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup chopped green bell pepper
  • ¾ cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 (6 ounce) can pitted black olives, drained
  • ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard seed
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 8

  • Gather all ingredients.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again.
  • Transfer drained, cooked pasta to a large bowl. Add pepperoni, provolone cheese, red onion, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Mix olive oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, oregano, ground mustard, salt, and pepper for dressing in a jar with a lid. Seal the jar, and shake until well combined.
  • Pour dressing over the pasta salad; toss until well coated. Serve immediately, or cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before serving.
  • Nutrition

    443 cal.

    • Total Fat: 32g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
    • Cholesterol: 39mg
    • Sodium: 836mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 25g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 16g
    • Vitamin C: 35mg
    • Calcium: 242mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 259mg