Regular Pasta Salad
A vibrant and tasty pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, pepperoni, and Italian dressing, perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. cooked pasta twists ⓘ
- 1 bunch broccoli ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 green onions ⓘ
- 1 large carrot ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped cauliflower ⓘ
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup yellow squash ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery
- 1 small bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup diced pepperoni ⓘ
- 1 bottle Italian dressing ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix well all ingredients.
- Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette using olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or olives for variation. If you're short on time, pre-cooked pasta is a great shortcut. For a protein boost, try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas instead of pepperoni.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad makes an excellent side dish for barbecues or picnics and pairs beautifully with Sausage Sandwiches. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional diced tomatoes for a colorful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad before serving, add a splash of Italian dressing or a bit more vinegar to enhance the flavors. Avoid reheating as pasta salad is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Regular Pasta Salad contains roughly 397 calories, with 12g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (177% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 735mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses pasta twists, you can substitute it with any shape you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain its texture in the salad.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this pasta salad vegan by omitting the pepperoni and ensuring that your Italian dressing is free from animal products. You could also add tofu or tempeh for a protein boost, making it a hearty meal.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes into the salad. You can also use a spicy Italian dressing or add some hot sauce to the mix, depending on your taste preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).