Copycat Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad With Pepperoni

This crunchy, tangy Copycat Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad With Pepperoni is made with tri-color rotini, fresh vegetables, and savory cured meat in just 25 minutes. Tossing the cold noodles with that signature golden dressing allows the flavors to soak into every spiral while the vegetables stay crisp. I love making this for summer potlucks because the bowl is always licked clean before the burgers are even served.

Why This Classic Works

I grew up eating the boxed version of this salad, but let’s be honest—the dehydrated vegetable flakes were always a bit disappointing. By swapping them out for fresh red bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers, you keep that nostalgic flavor profile while adding a satisfying texture that the original kit simply lacks.

Using mini pepperoni slices ensures you get a savory, salty bite in every single forkful without needing a knife to cut through large meat slices. This homemade version captures the convenience of the box mix but elevates the ingredients so it tastes like a fresh deli side rather than a pantry staple.

Copycat Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad With Pepperoni Ingredients

• 16 oz (1 box) tri-color rotini pasta
• 1 bottle (16 oz) Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
• 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular slices quartered)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or cheddar cheese cubes)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives, drained
• 2 tbsp McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning (the secret to the authentic color and taste)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make Copycat Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad With Pepperoni

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the tri-color rotini in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions until al dente (usually about 9-10 minutes).
2. Shock the Noodles: Drain the pasta immediately and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water until the noodles are completely cool to the touch.
3. Prepare Mix-ins: While the pasta boils, chop the bell pepper, onion, and tomatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the salad.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, chopped vegetables, and olives.
5. Dress and Season: Pour about 3/4 of the bottle of Zesty Italian dressing over the mixture, then sprinkle with the Salad Supreme seasoning and Parmesan cheese, tossing gently until everything is evenly coated.

Recipe Tips

• Rinse With Cold Water: Unlike hot pasta dishes, you must rinse pasta salad noodles to stop the cooking process and wash away excess starch, which prevents clumping.
• The Secret Seasoning: If you want that true copycat flavor and the signature orange tint, do not skip the Salad Supreme seasoning; it adds the sesame and paprika notes found in the original box packet.
• Reserve Some Dressing: Pasta acts like a sponge and will soak up the dressing in the fridge, so save a little dressing to stir in right before serving to bring the moisture back.
• Let It Marinate: While you can eat it immediately, letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour allows the zesty flavors to penetrate the pasta spirals.

What To Serve With Pasta Salad

This salad is the ultimate side dish for grilled burgers, hot dogs, or bratwursts at a backyard barbecue. It also pairs beautifully with grilled lemon herb chicken or pork chops if you want a lighter, protein-packed summer dinner.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You will likely need to splash a little extra Italian dressing or olive oil on the leftovers before serving, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid over time.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this salad actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld, making it perfect for meal prep or parties.
• What if I can’t find mini pepperoni? You can easily use regular pepperoni slices and stack them up to cut into quarters, or use a stick of pepperoni and cube it.
• Is this gluten-free? The dressing and mix-ins are generally gluten-free, so if you use a gluten-free rotini pasta (like chickpea or brown rice pasta), the entire dish will be safe.
• Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely, while mozzarella pearls are classic, sharp cheddar cubes or crumbled feta also work wonderfully with the zesty dressing.
• Why is my pasta salad dry? Pasta absorbs liquid as it sits, so always keep a little extra dressing on hand to refresh the salad just before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 340
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g
• Protein: 10g

Try More Recipes:

• Easy Homemade Zesty Creamy Italian Chicken
• Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
• Sweet Italian Sausage Cheese Tortellini Soup Recipe

Copycat Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad With Pepperoni

Recipe by Paula

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

Copycat Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad With Pepperoni chilled rotini fresh veggies zesty dressing 25 minutes picnic side. This crunchy, tangy salad combines savory meat, mozzarella pearls, and tri-color pasta for the perfect summer BBQ dish.

Ingredients

• 16 oz (1 box) tri-color rotini pasta

• 1 bottle (16 oz) Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing

• 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular slices quartered)

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or cheddar cheese cubes)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives, drained

• 2 tbsp McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning (the secret to the authentic color and taste)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

• Cook the tri-color rotini in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions until al dente (usually about 9-10 minutes).
• Drain the pasta immediately and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water until the noodles are completely cool to the touch.
• While the pasta boils, chop the bell pepper, onion, and tomatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the salad.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, chopped vegetables, and olives.
• Pour about 3/4 of the bottle of Zesty Italian dressing over the mixture, then sprinkle with the Salad Supreme seasoning and Parmesan cheese, tossing gently until everything is evenly coated.