Pepperoni Pasta Salad – Plain Chicken

Pepperoni Pasta Salad Recipe – loaded with cheese tortellini, zesty pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing! It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for cookouts, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal. Bold, flavorful, and absolutely delicious—this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd favorite!

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Tortellini and Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad

This Pepperoni Pasta Salad is a staple at our house. It is super easy to make and it always gets rave reviews! Tender cheese tortellini, pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and Italian dressing. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this pasta salad is a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal!

How to Make Pepperoni Pasta Salad

This side dish is effortless to make with only a few simple ingredients. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Combine cooked tortellini, fresh mozzarella pearls, chopped pepperoni slices, sliced grape tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil in a large bowl. Pour Italian salad dressing over the mixture, toss well to coat—season with salt and black pepper to taste. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

• You can use fresh, frozen, or dried tortellini.
  • You can use any flavor of tortellini – cheese, spinach, meat.
  • You can use gluten-free pasta
• Substitute turkey pepperoni for lower calories.
• Add your favorite veggies:
  • green bell peppers
  • red onion
  • roasted red peppers
  • broccoli
  • black olives
  • spinach
• You can swap the Italian dressing for Ken’s Caesar vinaigrette dressing.
• I use fresh mozzarella pearls. You can substitute diced mozzarella cheese or shaved parmesan cheese.
• Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a kick!
• Add leftover grilled chicken to make this a meal!
• Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Stir before serving.
  • You may need to add more dressing after refrigerating as the pasta will soak it up.

What to Serve with Italian Pasta Salad

Pepperoni tortellini pasta salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. 

• To keep things light, serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty Italian or balsamic vinaigrette. 
• Garlic bread or warm focaccia is a great addition for soaking up any extra dressing. 
• If you’re serving it at a cookout or potluck, pair it with grilled chicken, burgers, or even a tray of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. 
• For a refreshing contrast, add a side of fresh fruit, like melon, grapes, or a citrusy fruit salad. 

Whether served as a main dish or a side, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that goes with just about anything!

Steph