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Garlic Pasta Salad

Summer Pizza Garlic Pasta Salad

Fresh summer pasta salad with pizza-inspired toppings, garlic dressing, and mozzarella. Perfect BBQ side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, black olives, red onion, basil, and Parmesan. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent softness after chilling. Chill at least 1 hour for best flavor. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute dressing.