Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) Rotini or Fusilli pasta
- 1 tbsp (15g) Salt
- 8 oz (225g) Mini mozzarella pearls
- 6 oz (170g) Pepperoni, diced
- 1 cup (150g) English cucumber, diced
- 1 cup (150g) Red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup (50g) Red onion, finely minced
- 1/2 cup (60g) Black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup (15g) Fresh parsley, chopped
- 3/4 cup (180ml) Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup (80ml) Red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp (5g) Garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5g) Dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5g) Dried basil
- 1/2 tsp (3g) Salt
- 1/2 tsp (3g) Black pepper
- 1 tsp (5g) Sugar
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, stopping 1 minute early to ensure it is al dente.
- Drain the pasta into a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess surface starch.
- In a mason jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, mozzarella pearls, diced pepperoni, cucumber, red bell pepper, minced red onion, sliced black olives, and chopped parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to fuse before serving.