Pepperoni Pasta Salad

I can eat store bought pasta salad.  I'd really prefer not to, but I can.  It's like store bought cookies.  They're okay.  In case of a 'Sure I'll bring dessert, but then you forget' moment, they'll do, but the real thing is much better.  So much better.  All that gooey dough warm from the oven.  Melted chocolate chips.  Mmmmmmm...

Take a moment.  Visualize the cookie.  Enjoy the cookie.

WAIT A MINUTE!  This post is about Pasta Salad.  See how easily distracted I get...

There a lots of different versions of pasta salad, but this is one of my favorites for two reasons.  Yep, you guessed it.  It's easy and delicious!

Here you go...

Pepperoni Pasta Salad

1 box spiral noodles

1 small jar of sliced olives

1 med red or green pepper chopped

1 small red onion chopped

1/2 cucumber quartered

1/2 package of pepperoni quartered

1 cup (or more) of Italian dressing

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Cook noodles according to package directions.
• While noodles are cooking.  Chop up those veggies, pepperoni, and drain/rinse the olives.
• After noodles are soft, drain and rinse with cold water.  Dump into a large bowl with a lid.
• Add veggies, pepperoni, and olives to noodles.  Mix well.
• Pour dressing and Parmesan over the top.  Put the lid on the bowl and shake it like crazy.  Go ahead, get out all of your frustration from the day...or do a dance...or just shake it...whatever.
• Taste it.  Savor it.  What?  It needs more dressing.  Pour it on.  Shake it up.  Taste it again. Repeat if necessary.  Just don't 'taste test' the whole bowl.

Happy Cooking!