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Crispy Viral TikTok Pasta Salad Recipe with Best Italian Dressing and Pepperoni

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A crispy, tangy pasta salad featuring al dente rotini, crunchy pepperoni, and a bright homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for quick meals, parties, and summer picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
  • 4 ounces regular pepperoni slices (thick-cut preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for frying pepperoni)
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces)
  • Handful of torn fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts of water). Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil or dry-fry for a leaner option. Lay 4 ounces of pepperoni slices flat in the pan without overlapping. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until edges are crisp and pepperoni curls slightly. Remove with a slotted spatula and drain on paper towels.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour Italian dressing over warm pasta and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Add crispy pepperoni slices and torn fresh basil leaves, folding carefully to preserve pepperoni crunch. Let salad sit about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Cook pepperoni over medium heat to avoid burning and ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan to prevent steaming. Toss salad while pasta is warm but not hot to avoid sogginess. For best texture, add pepperoni just before serving and do not let salad sit too long with pepperoni mixed in. Homemade Italian dressing is recommended over bottled for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, pepperoni, Italian dressing, crispy pepperoni, TikTok recipe, rotini pasta, summer salad, quick pasta salad

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/crispy-viral-tiktok-pasta-salad-recipe-with-best-italian-dressing-and-pepperoni/