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    Home » Recipes » Pasta Recipes

    Pepperoni Caprese Pasta Salad

    Published: Apr 2, 2021 · Last Updated: May 8, 2025 by Kyndra Holley

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    white bowl with pasta salad made of cavatappi, pepperoni, basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella
    white bowl with pasta salad made of cavatappi, pepperoni, basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella
    white bowl with pasta salad made of cavatappi, pepperoni, basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella
    white bowl with pasta salad made of cavatappi, pepperoni, basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella
    white bowl with pasta salad made of cavatappi, pepperoni, basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella

    This Pepperoni Caprese Pasta Salad is made with curly cavatappi pasta, pepperoni, fresh cherry tomatoes, herbaceous basil, fresh mozzarella and a tangy Italian vinaigrette dressing. It is the perfect quick and easy spring and summer salad. Perfect for summer barbecues. Best of all, it can be ready in only 15 minutes.

    white bowl with pasta salad made of cavatappi, pepperoni, basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella
    Table of Contents show
    Ingredients
    Step-by-step Instructions
    Recipe Tips and Variations
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
    Pepperoni Caprese Pasta Salad

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for Pepperoni Caprese Pasta Sald - pasta, pepperoni, basil, mozzarella and Italian dressing
    • Pasta - For this Pepperoni Caprese Pasta Salad recipe, I used cavatappi noodles. However, you can use any pasta you prefer. Below, I have listed some of my favorite pastas for pasta salad. (More salad recipes)
    • Fresh Mozzarella - I use mini marinated mozzarella balls for this recipe, but you can cut up regular fresh mozzarella or even use shredded mozzarella
    • Italian Dressing - Any Italian vinaigrette will work here. I also love it with this Balsamic Shallot Vinaigrette.
    • Cherry Tomatoes - I love cherry tomatoes for their bright, sweet flavor, but any type of tomato will work here.
    Step by step instructions for making Pepperoni Caprese Salad - pasta, pepperoni, basil, mozzarella, red onion

    Step-by-step Instructions

    STEP 1: Cook the pasta to al dente as per the directions on the box. Drain and let cool.
    STEP 2: Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
    STEP 3: Add the red onions, tomatoes, basil, pepperoni and mozzarella.
    STEP 4: Pour over the Italian dressing and toss until all ingredients are well mixed and the dressing is evenly distributed.

    white bowl with pasta salad made of cavatappi, pepperoni, basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella

    Recipe Tips and Variations

    • Storage - Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    • Make Ahead - This is an excellent recipe to make ahead of time. Have a barbecue on Saturday? Go ahead and make it on Friday evening. It gives the flavors even more time to come together.
    • Change up the Cheese - You can use just about any cheese here. Some of my favorites are shaved parmesan, grated Romano, sharp white cheddar, smoked mozzarella and gouda.
    • Add Fruit - Add fresh strawberries in place of the pepperoni and mix in some of this Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette. You won't be disappointed.
    white bowl with pasta salad made of cavatappi, pepperoni, basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you make low carb pasta salad?

    To make a low carb variation of this caprese pasta salad, simply swap out the pasta for roasted cauliflower, zucchini noodles, cucumber noodles, or even coleslaw mix.

    Which pasta is best for salad?

    Any type of pasta that has pockets or folds to catch the dressing and ingredients will work great. It helps to make sure each bite has flavor. Penne, elbow macaroni, farfalle, fusilli, rotini are all great choices.

    white bowl with pasta salad made of cavatappi, pepperoni, basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella

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    Print
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    white bowl with pasta salad made of cavatappi, pepperoni, basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella

    Pepperoni Caprese Pasta Salad


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    • Author: Kyndra Holley
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x
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    Description

    This easy pasta salad recipe is made with curly cavatappi pasta, pepperoni, fresh cherry tomatoes, herbaceous basil, fresh mozzarella and a tangy Italian vinaigrette dressing. It is the perfect quick and easy spring and summer salad. Perfect for summer barbecues. Best of all, it can be ready in only 15 minutes.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 12 ounces dry cavatappi pasta, cooked per directions on package
    • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
    • ½ cup diced red onion
    • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
    • 6 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
    • 3 ounces pepperoni slices, quartered
    • 2 cups Italian Dressing (get the recipe here)

    Instructions

    1. Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and toss to combine. 

    Notes

    • Storage - Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    • Make Ahead - This is an excellent recipe to make ahead of time. Have a barbecue on Saturday? Go ahead and make it on Friday evening. It just gives the flavors even more time to come together.
    • net carbs per serving: 43.4g
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Salads
    • Method: Mixing
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: ⅙th of the recipe
    • Calories: 794
    • Fat: 59.4g
    • Carbohydrates: 43.4g
    • Fiber: 3.4g
    • Protein: 19.9g

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    More Pasta Recipes

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    Comments

    1. Sarah Francis says

      April 04, 2021 at 2:46 pm

      I made this today for Easter and used ham instead of pepperoni. The whole family enjoyed it.

      Reply

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    Kyndra Holley - International Best Selling Cookbook Author, and the face behind this blog and Peace Love and Low Carb. When I am not hard at work creating recipes and healthy living content, I can be found exploring the world, playing with our 5 crazy pups, hiking, or just kicking back and relaxing with a cup of coffee and a good book.

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