Italian Pasta Salad With Pepperoni Healthy Version Wellplated Com

And by “A” game, I mean appetite. This zesty Italian pasta salad recipe combines whole wheat noodles, turkey pepperoni, and pizza topping-inspired additions like crunchy bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese.

It’s kid-friendly (just call it “pizza pasta”), quick and easy to pull together, and versatile.You can make it gluten free (use gluten free pasta).You can skip the pepperoni for a vegetarian Italian pasta salad.And of course, you can swap out the veggies for other additions your family enjoys (olive skeptics, I hear you).

We spend summer weekends at the lake and, after years of tasting dozens of different potluck side dishes in action, I can say with certainty that this classic Italian pasta salad is the consistent crowd favorite (7 Layer Salad and Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad are also consistent winners). This easy pasta salad can slide into place at any cookout, whether you’re sticking with the Italian-inspired theme (Italian Turkey Burgers and Caprese Pasta Salad) or going all-American. Is Italian pasta salad and Potato Salad at the same potluck too many carbs? I think not. Traditional Italian pasta salad recipes often call for bottled Italian dressing and a slew of less-than-wholesome ingredients. I decided to give the classic recipe an update by using fresh, healthy ingredients:

An assortment of colorful crunchy veggies to pack in plenty of vitamins and minerals (this Italian Chopped Salad is also LOADED with bright colorful veggies).Lean turkey pepperoni to cut fat and calories. Whole wheat pasta (like in my BLT Pasta Salad) that keeps me full longer and loads up every serving with extra nutrients.An easy homemade Italian dressing that’s healthier and more flavorful than store-bought zesty Italian dressings that are often loaded with mystery ingredients.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

This lightened-up version of everyone’s favorite Italian pasta salad with turkey pepperoni, feta, and homemade zesty Italian dressing reminds me of a fabulous slice of pizza (as does this Italian Mac and Cheese), but in light, bright pasta salad form. It is guaranteed to become your top-requested potluck contribution of the summer.

The Ingredients

Whole Wheat Pasta. For just about any pasta recipe, I always go for whole wheat pasta to sneak in a little extra fiber, iron, and key minerals.Turkey Pepperoni. My swap for classic pepperoni. It’s a leaner choice that makes this pasta salad healthier without sacrificing any of that essential salty/spicy pepperoni flavor. (It’s also my fav for these Zucchini Pizza Boats.)

Broccoli. Adds lovely green color, crunch, and loads this dish with calcium, folate, iron, and vitamins A, B6, B12, D, E, and K. Bell Pepper. Choose any color you prefer—I usually use orange or yellow for some contrasting color.

Cherry Tomato. These juicy little red jewels of sweetness are bursting with flavor and contribute healthy antioxidants, such as lycopene. (They’re also key to this flavorful Italian Antipasto Salad and my favorite Chicken Pasta Salad.)Red Onion. For a little zip, bite, and extra crunch.Black Olives. Amplify the Italian flavors of this dish and think you’re tucking in at your favorite Italian pizzeria.

Feta. I love the salty bite and subtle tang feta lends this healthy pepperoni pasta salad recipe (and Italian Farro Salad too).

Parsley. For a final finish of color and freshness.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Mixing Bowls. For mixing the dressing and tossing together the finished pepperoni pasta salad.Microplane Grater. This one is my all-time favorite for grating literally anything.Cutting Board. An extra-large cutting board makes chopping a breeze.

Whether your next potluck is on a lake, in your backyard, or crowded around your coffee table, this healthy Italian pasta salad is sure to be a hit with guests. Try this dressing once and I promise you’ll never buy a bottle of the premade stuff again.

Ripe Tomato. My secret ingredient. A fresh tomato is grated right into the dressing infusing it with a bright tomato flavor that tastes like the epitome of summer. (For more tomato goodness, see these Grilled Pesto Chicken Skewers.)Red Wine Vinegar. For some vital acidity that balances all the flavors.Greek Yogurt. My healthy swap for mayo to keep the creaminess.Olive Oil. Choose a quality olive oil to infuse the dressing with even more robust Italian flavor.Dijon. Give the dressing a lovely spicy bite.Honey. For a touch of tantalizing sweetness.Garlic. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your preference for garlic flavor.Herbs + Spices. A blend of dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper brings the dressing to life.