Flavorful Pasta Salad with homemade vinaigrette

This delicious Pasta Salad Recipe packed with  pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and more. It is the perfect side dish to your favourite summer dinners!

During the warmer months, I find myself craving a nice cold pasta salad, and this one is full of fresh vegetables and tossed with delicious homemade dressing. This is truly the perfect combination of pasta & salad! This Pasta Salad is our go-to during the summer. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it for healthy lunch or a light dinner, or just as a side dish. It's always a hit when I make it for potlucks or BBQs! You can easily double the recipe and make a big batch to feed a larger groups!

I’ve included the recipe for my simple homemade vinaigrette dressing. It’s the best vinaigrette salad dressing to add to this tasty dish. Made with olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices, it’s quick and easy to make with such simple ingredients that you probably have on hand! Honestly, skip the bottled dressing and make this Italian dressing from scratch, you just need a few simple pantry staples. This recipe will elevate your salads, pasta salads, and even sandwiches or subs to a new level of taste!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups of penne pasta (cut up)

• 1 English cucumber (diced)

• 1/2 cup of chopped onion

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced)

• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (cut up)

• 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese torn into pieces

(I opted for no cheese this time, for dietary restrictions but the times I’ve included it, really ties the flavours in together better!)

INGREDIENTS for the dressing:

• 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 

• 1/4 cup apple white vinegar 

•  3 tablespoons of lemon juice

•  1 teaspoon of honey

•  2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

•  1/2  teaspoon of salt

• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Steps to make the dressing: combine all ingredients in a jar with lid, shake well; or whisk well in a measuring cup. Pour half of the dressing over pasta and gently toss to coat. Serve more if needed.

STEPS:

1. Cook the pasta according to instructions on the box, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Place in a large salad bowl.

2. Chop cucumber and onion, add to pasta.

3. Quarter cherry tomatoes, pepperoni slices and add to pasta.

4. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh mozzarella cheese. Gently toss to combine.

5. Add your dressing and gently toss.

6. Bon appétit!