Scrumptious Pioneer Woman Pepperoni Potato Salad Recipe

Pepperoni potato salad bursts onto the culinary scene, shattering bland side dish stereotypes with its audacious flavor combinations.

Forget everything you know about traditional potato salads – this recipe is a rebellious gastronomic statement.

Zesty pepperoni mingles with creamy potatoes, creating a taste explosion that dances across your palate.

Marinara whispers hints of Mediterranean charm while cheese adds a luxurious backdrop to this bold creation.

Crisp textures and vibrant ingredients transform an ordinary dish into an extraordinary experience.

Each forkful promises a symphony of unexpected tastes that will electrify your taste buds.

Trust me, this isn’t just another potato salad – it’s a flavor revolution waiting to rock your next gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 564 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s in Pioneer Woman Pepperoni Potato Salad

• Potatoes: Choose firm, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best texture and creaminess.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for a clean, bright seasoning boost.

• Mayonnaise, Marinara Sauce, Parmesan Cheese: Select high-quality, fresh ingredients for robust flavor complexity.
• Mozzarella Pearls: Pick fresh, soft pearls that add delightful cheesy pockets.

• Pepperoni, Green Olives, Fresh Basil: Select spicy pepperoni, briny olives, and vibrant basil leaves to create a zesty Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Scallions: Choose crisp, bright green onions for a mild, fresh crunch.
• Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper for maximum aromatic intensity.
• Parsley: Pick bright green, fragrant leaves for a clean, herbal finish.

Prep Tools for Mixing Potato Salad

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling potatoes evenly and efficiently.
• Colander: Essential for draining water quickly and completely.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining all salad ingredients.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking dressing ingredients together.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing components smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for chopping herbs and ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise cutting of potatoes, scallions, and herbs.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate for portioning salt and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for gently mixing salad ingredients without breaking potato pieces.

How to Assemble This Savory Salad

• Boil Potatoes Perfectly

Submerge whole potatoes in cold, salted water. Heat until bubbling and cook until fork-tender, around 15-20 minutes. Drain completely and let cool slightly. Slice potatoes in half and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.

• Craft Zesty Dressing

Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, tangy marinara, and nutty Parmesan cheese in a separate container. Create a smooth, vibrant sauce that will elevate the potato base.

• Blend Flavor Foundations

Pour dressing over halved potatoes. Sprinkle chopped scallions and gently toss until every potato piece is beautifully coated with the rich, creamy mixture.

• Layer Exciting Ingredients

Fold in mozzarella pearls, spicy pepperoni slices, briny green olives, fragrant fresh basil, and a generous dash of black pepper. Each addition brings a burst of exciting flavor and texture to the salad.

• Final Touch and Presentation

Mix most of the parsley throughout the salad, then delicately scatter remaining herbs on top. Serve this vibrant dish chilled or at room temperature, ready to delight taste buds with its bold, Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Ingredient Swaps and Extra Flavor Ideas

• Boost Potato Magic: Swap marinara with spicy arrabbiata sauce for extra kick.
• Customize Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or Romano for unique flavor profiles.
• Smart Prep Shortcuts: Boil potatoes one day ahead and refrigerate to save time during final assembly.
• Make-Ahead Masterpiece: This salad tastes even better after resting in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, allowing flavors to fully blend and develop.

Ways to Present a Zesty Potato Salad

• Serve with Fresh Companions: Pair this zesty potato salad with grilled chicken, crisp green salads, or as a standalone side dish at summer barbecues.
• Create a Picnic Feast: Pack this salad in a sealed container for outdoor meals, making it perfect for beach trips, park gatherings, or backyard celebrations.
• Elevate Your Presentation: Arrange the salad on a rustic wooden board, garnish with extra basil leaves, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-style look that impresses guests.
• Customize with Personal Touches: Experiment by adding diced bell peppers, swapping pepperoni for salami, or including different herbs to match your taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.

Potato Salad Leftover Tips

• Optimize Meal Prep: Prepare potato salad up to 2 days ahead, storing in an airtight container within the refrigerator. This strategy saves time and allows flavors to develop more intensely.
• Chill and Preserve: Keep salad consistently cold at 40°F or below to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth. Seal container tightly to lock in freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Consume potato salad within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination and extend shelf life.
• Revive Leftovers: Gently stir salad before serving to redistribute ingredients. If mixture seems dry, add a small amount of additional mayonnaise or marinara sauce to restore creamy consistency.

Tangy Pioneer Woman Pepperoni Potato Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic potato salad meets Italian-American pizza vibes in this pepperoni potato salad recipe. Bold flavors and creamy textures combine for a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll crave at summer gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 lbs (1.8 kg) baby Yukon gold potatoes
• 24 oz (680 g) mozzarella pearls, drained
• 7 oz (200 g) pepperoni, quartered
• 2 cups pitted green olives, halved
• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
• ¾ cup (180 ml) marinara sauce
• ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 scallions, green and white parts, chopped
• ½ cup (20 g) fresh basil, cut into chiffonade
• ½ cup (20 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Immerse whole potatoes in salted cold water, bring to a vigorous boil, and cook until fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain and cool slightly before halving and transferring to a large mixing bowl.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese into a smooth, cohesive dressing. Drizzle over warm potato halves, ensuring complete and even coating.
3. Flavor Layering: Integrate scallions, mozzarella pearls, pepperoni slices, green olives, and fresh basil leaves into the dressed potatoes. Distribute ingredients gently to maintain potato integrity while maximizing flavor complexity.
4. Seasoning and Finishing: Season with freshly ground black pepper, then fold in most of the chopped parsley. Toss gently to blend herbs and enhance the salad’s aromatic profile.
5. Presentation: Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with remaining parsley, creating a visually appealing dish that promises a burst of Italian-inspired potato salad flavors.

Notes

• Quick Potato Cooking Tip: Use cold water start and generously salt to ensure even, tender potato cooking without mushiness.
• Dressing Consistency Hack: Whisk marinara, mayonnaise, and Parmesan until smooth for perfect flavor integration and creamy texture.
• Temperature Technique: Add mix-ins while potatoes are still warm to help ingredients absorb maximum flavor and create a more cohesive dish.
• Garnish Strategy: Reserve some fresh herbs and toppings for final plating to boost visual appeal and provide bursts of fresh flavor in each bite.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1,215 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg