Instant Pot Creamy Pepperoni Pasta Salad

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This Instant Pot Pepperoni Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish recipe! Although, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention it could serve as the main dish as well. Simple ingredients with a huge amount of flavor!

Be sure to check out my Instant Pot Taco Pasta for another simple pasta recipe for the family.

pasta salad made with pepperoni

Easy Pepperoni Pasta Salad

By now I’m sure you’re aware I have quite an affection for my Instant Pot. I know there are other ways to cook, and I do use those methods, but sometimes I prefer the Instant Pot.

While I never found cooking to be overly difficult, I do know that it takes patience and the ability to follow directions.

We’re all familiar with the old phrase “a watched pot never boils.” When cooking, baking, or waiting for dinner to be plated, time is something that we tend to not have enough of.

That is another reason I am so thankful that I discovered the Instant Pot. I have spent a lot of time since getting my first Instant Pot, then my second, third, and fourth, learning all I can about my “magic pots” and how to use them properly, how to convert slow cooker recipes, and converting cooking times.

Time is no longer wasted in the kitchen cooking for hours on end when I could just use my Instant Pot and be done with it.

Oh, the fun I’ve had creating with my Instant Pot! I’ve made Sweet Tea and even a super delicious and simple Coffee Cake. I could literally go on and on about how awesome the Instant Pot truly is.

And while I may have mentioned how much my family loves pasta, I do, too, in moderation since I usually stick to lower carb. Years ago I shared on here my stove top version of my famous Creamy Pepperoni Pasta Salad.

I decided to convert this recipes, one of my favorites, It is as easy to make as my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Both are fantastic and perfect for this time of year!

Instant Pot Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients

rainbow pasta
ranch dressing
shredded cheddar cheese
mini pepperoni
green onions to garnish (optional)

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How to make Mini Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Step One: Add pasta

Add pasta to the Instant Pot insert and cover the pasta completely with 8 cups of water

Step Two: Close lid and cook

Close the lid and cook on high pressure using manual for 4 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally or with a controlled release.

Step Three: Rinse Pasta

Rinse the pasta in cold water, drain, and let dry completely.

Step Four: Add ingredients

Add the pasta to a large bowl or back into the Instant Pot insert. Mix in 1 bottle of ranch. 1 bag of cheese, and 1 1/2 bags of pepperoni.

Step Five: Add the pasta to the fridge

Refrigerate the pasta salad overnight. The next day mix in the second bottle of ranch and most of the second bag of cheese. Top the pasta salad with the remaining cheese, pepperoni and green onions.

Enjoy!

NOTE: You can also add hard-boiled eggs to this if you want and it is wonderful! Adjust anything to your liking- cheese, ranch, etc. Sometimes the pasta will soak up the ranch so I will add more if needed.

How to store

Make sure that you’re storing any leftovers in an airtight container and keeping them nice and chilled in the fridge. Leftovers should stay good for up to 2 days.

Faqs

Do you rinse pasta when making pasta salad?

Absolutely! This is a great way to get the cooking process of the pasta to stop right then and there!

How do you keep pasta from sticking together for pasta salad?

The easiest way to prevent the noodles from sticking together is to make sure that the water is super hot and boiling before adding.

Can you add other ingredients to this creamy pepperoni pasta salad?

You bet. Adding in bacon bits or a different type of cheese can be a great flavor enhancer. You can also add in different types of fresh herbs and see what you like best!

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