READY IN ABOUT 1½ hrs

The Ultimate Pasta Salad

Read Reviews (42)

"The tri-colored pasta along with the variety of vegetables, pepperoni, cheeses and spices is what makes this pasta salad out of this world. Great to take to a BBQ on those warm summer nights. This salad tastes wonderful right after you make it, but is best served the day after." — Helene

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and chill 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Toss chilled pasta with the broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, garlic, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, olives, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 15 mins
COOK 10 mins
READY IN 1 hr 25 mins

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Jun 30, 2005

I also have been making a similar recipe for years. I use caesar-italian bottled dressing and instead of moz. cheese I sprinkle in some grated parmesean cheese. My family has loved this pasta salad for years!!

—JANEYT

See full review »

Most Helpful Critical Review

Jun 10, 2009

I don't understand the 4 1/2 star rating for this recipe. I made for a get-together over the weekend and not much got eaten. I thought it was too oily (guess I should've added the oil gradually) but at the same time, dry. Too much pepperoni, in my opinion, and I didn't even use as much as called for. Actually, too much mozzarella also. All of this could be easily fixed if I made it again, but it just didn't impress me enough to try. Sorry.

—Janett

See full review »

53 Ratings

May 15, 2005

I am not going to rate this because it is my own. I added a few "notes" to the bottom of the recipe that I noticed did not make it to publication. 1. I don't normally measure the vinegar and oil when I make this recipe so the amounts are approx. Usually I keep adding a little oil, a little vinegar then keep tasting. 2. Nine times out of ten, the next morning the pasta will soak up the vinegar and oil mixture. You can add water if you like to moisten but I usually go in and add a little more of the olive oil and/or red wine vinegar.

—Helene

See full review »

Jun 26, 2005

excellent. very easy. had it for dinner tonight. It is a complete meal in itself.

—CATHYLYNN

See full review »

May 28, 2005

I just prepared this for our BBQ tomorrow. It taste wonderful so I know it will be even better tomorrow. I used farfala pasta and feta cheese. Eveerything else just like the recipe stated.

—Judy

See full review »

Jul 17, 2005

This was very good but it did get very dry. Most people ended up putting some Italian dressing on it and that worked well. Also, it took forever to make this, maybe because I'm slow at chopping. I don't know, but it took me 1 1/2 hours total. UGH! I did add green and red pepper. Have to say it was worth it though because it really does taste wonderful!

—PULLEYHEATHER

See full review »

May 18, 2006

Salad was wonderful. Recieved a lot of compliments. I ommited the cauliflower, and went light on the red onion. Next time I will add the cauliflower, more onion, and more cheese!! Wonderful!

—montana_jeff

See full review »

Jun 24, 2005

Excellent but it makes a really large batch even though I only used 1/2 of the broccoli and cauliflower and about 2/3 of the 8 oz. of pepperoni. I used the turkey pepperoni. I ran out of red wine vinegar(used 1/3 c.) so the next day I added zesty Italian and it was still wonderful. Even my 2 young grandsons liked it.

—DEER PATH

See full review »

Edit

Glad you liked it! Your friends will, too:

Did you tweak the recipe? Edit and save your own version of it!

Edit this recipe

More Recipes Like This See all

Rainbow Pasta Salad I

Crab Pasta Salad

Summer Pasta Salad II

Three Pepper Pasta Salad

Picnic Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

Tri-Color Pasta Salad

Artichoke Asparagus Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad I

Hope's Colorful Pasta Salad

Nutrition

Calories
411 kcal
21%

Carbohydrates
36.2 g
12%

Cholesterol
32 mg
11%

Fat
22.7 g
35%

Fiber
4.2 g
17%

Protein
16.1 g
32%

Sodium
604 mg
24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

The Ultimate Pasta Salad

Serving Size: 1/12 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 411
Calories from Fat: 205

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22.7g 35 %
Saturated Fat 6.3g 31 %
Cholesterol 32mg 11 %
Sodium 604mg 24 %
Potassium 362mg 10 %
Total Carbohydrates 36.2g 12 %
Dietary Fiber 4.2g 17 %
Protein 16.1g 32 %
Sugars 2.7g
** Vitamin A 6 %
** Vitamin C 76 %
** Calcium 24 %
** Iron 25 %
** Thiamin 30 %
** Niacin 48 %
** Vitamin B6 18 %
** Magnesium 14 %
** Folate 64 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.