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Game Day Pasta Salad

Game Day Pasta Salad

This Game Day Pasta Salad is the MVP of your snack table: bold, crunchy, protein-packed, and perfect to make ahead. Great for potlucks, tailgates, and lazy dinners alike!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 16 oz rotini pasta or bowtie, penne, or tri-color
  • 1 cup pepperoni sliced, or use salami
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber chopped
  • 0.5 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup black olives sliced
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella balls or shredded
  • 0.5 cup Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
  • chopped bell pepper, banana peppers, or cooked chickpeas for extra crunch

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. While pasta cools, chop the vegetables and slice the pepperoni.
  3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, pepperoni, olives, and mozzarella.
  4. Pour in the Italian dressing and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
  6. Before serving, toss again, add Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

This pasta salad is super versatile—add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own. Great for meal prep and potlucks!