Cold Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Keto Cold Pepperoni Pasta Salad is ideal for potlucks, hot days, or simple meal preparation. It is a tasty, low-carb take on a traditional pasta salad. We combine keto-friendly spaghetti with crisp cucumbers, black olives, juicy cherry tomatoes, spicy pepperoni slices, and creamy mozzarella cubes in this salad. It is totally keto-compliant and offers a zesty, refreshing taste in every bite when tossed in a sugar-free Italian dressing. This recipe of keto Cold Pepperoni Pasta Salad is perfect for anyone on a ketogenic or low-carb diet since it utilizes shirataki or almond-flour pasta instead of standard pasta, which is high in carbohydrates. It has a well-balanced combination of fiber, protein, and lipids to keep you feeling content and full.

Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS

STATS

• Caloric content: 280 kcal
• Preparation duration: Ten minutes
• Servings: 6
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Keto
• Course: Salad, Main

EQUIPMENT:

• Spoon
• Colander
• Large mixing dish
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Large pot

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz. low-carb pasta
• 1 cup pepperoni
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup cucumber
• ½ cup black olives
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning powder
• ¼ cup red onion
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Black pepper
• ½ cup Italian dressing
• Salt

INGREDIENT NOTES:

KETO PASTA:

• Select shirataki noodles or a pasta that is keto-approved, such as almond flour-based or lupin. They are perfect for keto since they provide the texture of regular spaghetti without the added carbohydrates. Give the Shirataki a good rinse to get rid of any smell before cooking.

PEPPERONI:

• The salad gains a rich, salty, and mildly spicy taste from the pepperoni. It is ideal for keto macros because it is high in fat and protein.

TOMATOES:

• These provide the salad color, juiciness, and freshness. Although tomatoes have some carbohydrates. We use them sparingly to keep the dish low in carbohydrates. They also provide antioxidants and vitamin C for added nutrition.

CUCUMBERS:

• Cucumber adds a subtle flavor and pleasant crunch. It keeps the salad hydrated and has relatively few carbohydrates.

OLIVES:

• Olives offer healthy lipids and a flavorful, salty depth. Additionally, they offer a Mediterranean flair that complements Italian dressing.

ONIONS:

• The sharp onion taste will helps in adjustment of pepperoni and cheese flavors. Use carefully because a small amount is needed to keep carbs down. Thinly slice onions for optimal flavor dispersion.

MOZZARELLA CHEESE:

• The light and creamy mozzarella cheese goes well with the tart dressing. It’s a fantastic supply of calcium and protein, both of which are necessary for keto. Fresh mozzarella pearls or cubes work best for texture.

KETO DRESSING:

• Use a sugar-free dressing if you want to keep the salad keto-friendly. It is an excellent dressing that unifies all the elements with its sharpness and herbs.

ITALIAN SEASONING:

• Italian seasoning provides the traditonal Italian taste and improves flavor. It typically contains thyme, basil, and oregano for added aromatic depth. Adjust the quantity depending on how herbaceous you prefer your salad.

SALT & PEPPER:

• The dish is properly finished with these simple ingredients. Olives and pepperoni already add salt, so don’t add too much. Freshly cracked pepper adds a delightful burst of heat.

Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Boil the keto pasta as mentioned on the package.
2. Drain the pasta with a strainer and place it in a corner.
3. We mix keto pasta, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, cucumber, onion, olives, & mozzarella in a big dish.
4. Add the Italian dressing to the salad.
5. Season the salad with black pepper, salt, & Italian seasoning.
6. Toss everything to ensure a good coat.
7. Chill this Cold Pepperoni Pasta Salad for half hour then serve for optimal flavor.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve this cold pepperoni salad as a dinner or side dish at summer BBQs.
• Pair this pepperoni salad with grilled meat for more protein content.
• Garnish this pepperoni salad with parsley or basil.

TIPS:

• Rinse the noodles properly before cooking to eliminate the odor.
• Add the additional dressing to make the creamy salad.
• Make and store this salad the night before, so the flavors will blend easily.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Put the pasta salad in the covered box & stock it for 3 days.

FREEZER:

• It is not recommended to store this pepperoni salad in the freezer as the texture will change.

FAQs:

Will I prepare this salad before time?

• We can easily prepare and store this salad in a covered container the night before the requirement. It helps to blend the flavors beautifully.

Can I use any other pasta variety?

• We can easily use any pasta variety we want, but it should be completely keto-friendly, like zoodles or lupine-based pasta.

How to prepare non-dairy pepperoni pasta salad?

• We can utilize dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese to prepare non-dairy pepperoni pasta salad.

Can I make use of turkey pepperoni?

• We can use turkey pepperoni to make this pasta salad. They have low-fat content but are still keto-friendly.

Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Total Fat: 22 g
Protein: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Total Carbohydrates: 6 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Net Carbs: 4 g
Calories: 280 kcal
Sodium: 950 mg
Vitamin C: 6 mg
Calcium: 200 mg
Vitamin A: 720 IU
Iron: 1 mg