Pepperoni Pizza Salad

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 8 ounces ditalini
• 4 ounces pepperoni, cut into 1/4-inch slices, then the slices quartered
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 ripe plum tomatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size chunks
• 1 cup fresh mushroom, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pitted black olives, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Recipe

• 1 cook the pasta per package directions for al dente; drain in a colander and rinse briefly under cold running water; shake the colander and drain completely; set aside.
• 2 to make the dressing: whisk the vinegar, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
• 3 whisk in the anchovy paste, garlic, and oregano; slowly whisk in the olive oil until an emulsion forms.
• 4 put the pasta, pepperoni, bell pepper, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, and mozarella in a large serving bowl; toss gently.
• 5 pour the dressing over the mixture; toss gently and thoroughly.
• 6 serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours.