Rating: 3.69
(99)

Pizza Pasta Salad

May 13, 2025

Pizza Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for pizza lovers who want to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a refreshing, easy-to-eat salad form. Combining pasta with the classic pizza ingredients like pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, and fresh veggies, this salad is both fun and delicious. It’s a perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or a light, satisfying meal.

To make this salad, start by cooking your favorite pasta, such as rotini or penne, according to package instructions. Once cooked and drained, let it cool slightly. While the pasta is cooling, prepare your pizza toppings: slice pepperoni into small pieces, chop fresh tomatoes, and slice black olives and bell peppers. You can also add red onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese (either cubes or shredded), and your chopped veggies. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until well combined. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a dollop of mayonnaise or a little sour cream to the dressing.

Chill the pizza pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, give the salad another quick toss, and adjust the seasoning as needed. For an extra pizza-like flavor, sprinkle some dried oregano or crushed red pepper flakes on top for a bit of spice.

Pizza Pasta Salad is a fun and customizable dish that combines the best of pizza and pasta. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. The hearty pasta, savory toppings, and tangy dressing make this salad a deliciously satisfying meal that brings the classic flavors of pizza into a fresh, new form.

Pizza Pasta Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad
3.69 from 99 votes
A delightful combination of pasta and pizza flavors in a refreshing salad, perfect for a quick meal or a party side dish.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fusilli pasta cooked and cooled
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices sliced in halves
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1/4 cup green bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tbsp basil fresh, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni slices, black olives, green bell pepper, and red onion.
  • Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well to coat.
  • Sprinkle with fresh basil and toss again lightly to combine.
  • Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 13gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 750mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg
Calories: 350kcal
Meal Type: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: pasta, pizza, salad
Cooking Method: Nobake
Diet: Low-carb
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, tangy, and simple dish combining baked feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and pasta, delivering a delightful and easy-to-make meal.
Check out this recipe
Pasta Carbonara
Pasta Carbonara
Pasta Carbonara is a classic Italian dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper to create a deliciously creamy and flavorful pasta.
Check out this recipe
Pasta Genovese
Pasta Genovese
Pasta Genovese is a traditional Italian dish, rich and savory, featuring slow-cooked onions, beef and spices, served with pasta.
Check out this recipe
Alfredo Salmon Pasta
Alfredo Salmon Pasta
This delicious Alfredo Salmon Pasta combines tender pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, and succulent salmon into a comforting and savory meal.
Check out this recipe
Chicken & Spinach Protein Pasta
Chicken & Spinach Protein Pasta
A delicious and nutritious Chicken & Spinach Protein Pasta dish packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a healthy meal.
Check out this recipe
Green Pea Protein Pasta
Green Pea Protein Pasta
A delicious and nutritious green pea protein pasta packed with flavor and essential nutrients, perfect for a quick healthy meal.
Check out this recipe
One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A quick and easy dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese into a creamy pasta, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Check out this recipe
One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale
One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale
This One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines spaghetti and fresh kale in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze while delivering a hearty and nutritious meal.
Check out this recipe
Pasta Fagioli
Pasta Fagioli
Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup dish that combines pasta and beans in a rich, hearty broth. It’s a comforting, nutritious meal perfect for any time of the year.
Check out this recipe
Easy Pasta Primavera
Easy Pasta Primavera
A delicious and colorful pasta dish loaded with fresh spring vegetables.
Check out this recipe
Join the Conversation
  1. 4 stars
    Quick and easy! I made it in like 30 minutes, perfect for busy days. I added some chicken too.

  2. User avatar flora.simonis1977 says:

    4 stars
    Can you use any type of dressing? I hate Italian…

  3. User avatar wilda.yost2013 says:

    5 stars
    Yessss! Just made this! But I used spaghetti instead and added more cheese. 👌

    1. User avatar brandie.graham says:

      2 stars
      Cheese overload? That can’t be good for you… just saying. 🧐

    2. 4 stars
      Sounds like a tasty twist! Spaghetti is a great choice. I might try that next time! 🍝

  4. User avatar Michael83 says:

    5 stars
    This is sooo good! I made it for a party and it was gone in moments! Definitely a 5-star dish! 🍕

    1. User avatar Lumberjack says:

      5 stars
      Yum! This sounds amazing! I’m totally trying this for my next family get-together. Thanks for sharing! 🍽️

    2. User avatar Sand-Dial says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, pasta and salad together? Seems kinda weird to me. Don’t think I would like it…

  5. User avatar londa.feeney says:

    2 stars
    Not for me. It’s a mess of flavors. I’d prefer a traditional pasta or just a salad.

  6. User avatar Lumberjack says:

    4 stars
    My kids loved it, which is a miracle! They usually complain about veggies. Hooray for pizza!

  7. User avatar Eddie the Computer says:

    3 stars
    I didn’t have half the ingredients, but still made it with what I had. It was okay, not great. Next time I’ll follow the recipe more closely!

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get that! Sometimes you just have to make do with what you have. But for the best flavors, try to stick to the recipe next time! 😊

  8. User avatar althea.rutherford4 says:

    5 stars
    Pizza pasta salad? Pure genius! I used leftover pizza toppings instead and it came out amazing!

  9. User avatar errol.larson1958 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know, something feels off. Why would you put pasta and salad together? Sounds weird.

  10. User avatar thaddeus.goyette says:

    1 star
    This recipe is a travesty. Salad should never be mixed with pasta. Y’all are crazy for liking this.

  11. User avatar allegra.hoppe says:

    3 stars
    Seems too easy. Not sure it’ll taste good. I might add some spices.

  12. User avatar Oren Gulgowski says:

    1 star
    Not my fav. I prefer my pasta hot 😕.

    1. User avatar kory.larkin36 says:

      4 stars
      I get that! Hot pasta is the best! This salad reminds me of summer tho. ☀️

  13. User avatar Prostetnic Vogon Kwaltz says:

    3 stars
    Too salty for my taste. Maybe less dressing next time?

    1. User avatar shelton.ankunding1987 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get you! I think I’m gonna try it with less dressing too next time. It can be overwhelming sometimes.

  14. User avatar MrsLucyG says:

    4 stars
    I made this for my kids and they devoured it! Easy and fun to make. Thanks!

  15. User avatar marquitta.balistreri49 says:

    5 stars
    So good! Must try!

    1. User avatar Lea Daniel says:

      2 stars
      Seems a bit weird to mix pizza and pasta. Why would you do that?

    2. User avatar larry.corkery23 says:

      5 stars
      I can’t wait to make this! Looks delicious!

  16. User avatar max.goyette86 says:

    4 stars
    Gotta say, I was skeptical about the pepperoni but it worked really well!

  17. User avatar clayton.wuckert says:

    3 stars
    Uhm, I thought it was a little bland. Maybe more spices or something?

  18. 3 stars
    I made this last night but forgot the basil. It was still okay but definitely missing something!

  19. User avatar rosario.fay1966 says:

    5 stars
    Can’t believe how simple this was. I added grilled chicken too. So good!

  20. User avatar heidy.sporer says:

    5 stars
    Pizza pasta salad? Genius idea! I can’t believe I never thought of this.

  21. 5 stars
    OMG this is the best thing I ever made! SO easy!

  22. User avatar lavina.buckridge70 says:

    2 stars
    I think fusilli pasta is overrated. Can I use macaroni? People say it’s the same.

  23. User avatar donald.rippin78 says:

    5 stars
    yummy!! I added some jalapeños and it was 🔥 spicy but good!

  24. User avatar joel.carter14 says:

    5 stars
    This pasta salad is amazing! So fresh and delicious. My kids loved it too!

    1. User avatar ludie.bauch4 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad to hear that! This salad is a win for family meals. Perfect for summer! 🍅

    2. User avatar lanny.nitzsche says:

      2 stars
      Looks good, but I don’t trust store-bought dressings. Are they really that tasty?

  25. User avatar kassandra.steuber94 says:

    5 stars
    Yummy! Who knew pasta salad could taste like pizza? Love it! 😍

  26. User avatar tandra.steuber36 says:

    4 stars
    Mmm, pepperoni and pasta! What a combo! I can’t wait to try it!

  27. User avatar Aurelion Sol says:

    5 stars
    This sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it at my next cookout.

  28. User avatar garry.barrows says:

    5 stars
    This pizza pasta salad is amazzzinging! My kids loved it!

  29. User avatar sal.kuvalis says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, not the best recipe. Like, pasta and pizza are cool but together? Nah.

  30. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    1 star
    Just okay. The olives weren’t my thing. Kids hated it!

  31. User avatar armand.lakin says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get it. Why would you mix pasta with pizza stuff? Seems weird to me.

    1. 2 stars
      Honestly, it does sound a bit odd. I prefer my pizza and pasta separate. But hey, to each their own!

    2. User avatar louie.cartwright says:

      5 stars
      I think it sounds delicious! Pasta and pizza are both great, so why not combine them? 🙂

  32. 3 stars
    I dunno, it tasted kinda bland. Needs more seasoning.

  33. User avatar Genghis Khan says:

    2 stars
    Not sure about this fusion. Pasta in salad?? 🤔

  34. 5 stars
    My kids loved it! They asked for it again this week. Thanks!

  35. User avatar arnoldo.halvorson says:

    3 stars
    Can I just use ranch dressing instead?

  36. User avatar Erica Powlowski says:

    4 stars
    Looks good but I don’t like olives. Can I leave those out?

  37. User avatar emmett.bechtelar61 says:

    2 stars
    It looks good but I think pasta and salad shouldn’t go together, just sayin’.

  38. User avatar miki.christiansen75 says:

    5 stars
    This was a hit at the potluck! Everyone loved it!

    1. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

      5 stars
      That sounds amazing! I need to try this recipe for my next gathering! 🎉

  39. User avatar les.franecki1981 says:

    4 stars
    Great recipe for summer. Super refreshing!

  40. User avatar Dwarven Shpere says:

    1 star
    Pizza in a salad? Sounds wrong. Is that even food? No way I’m making that.

  41. User avatar kristine.wyman1 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! Perfect for summer BBQs. I added some jalapeños for a kick!

  42. User avatar Biff Wellington says:

    3 stars
    I accidentally used ranch dressing instead of Italian… yikes. Not good.

  43. User avatar saul.turner1984 says:

    5 stars
    This is a great dish for lazy days!! So quick to make and delish. 🤤

  44. 2 stars
    I tried making this but I used spaghetti instead of fusilli. Oops!

  45. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    3 stars
    Too much dressing! It turned out soggy. Next time, I’ll use less.

  46. User avatar Dr. Caron Considine says:

    3 stars
    Easy to make, but I think it needs more dressing. I added extra!

    1. User avatar vera.ernser says:

      3 stars
      More dressing? Really? I thought it was already too wet. Different tastes, I guess.

    2. User avatar lorrine.schneider says:

      5 stars
      I think adding more dressing is a great idea! It really makes everything tastier. Yum!

  47. 2 stars
    Why would anyone put pasta in a salad? Seems weird to me.

  48. User avatar julissa.steuber2022 says:

    2 stars
    Not very impressed. The flavors didn’t blend well for me.

    1. User avatar mathWizard says:

      3 stars
      I mean, it’s just pasta salad, how complex can it be? I thought it was pretty decent for a quick meal.

    2. 5 stars
      I loved it! The flavors were great for me, maybe you didn’t let it chill enough? It really helps blend everything together!

  49. User avatar quinton.ward36 says:

    1 star
    No way this is as good as a real pizza. Disappointing! 😞

  50. User avatar Brendan Schuppe says:

    3 stars
    I dunno… it just didn’t taste like pizza to me. Maybe I did something wrong?

  51. User avatar joetta.dickinson78 says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about putting pasta in a salad, but this turned out great!

  52. User avatar Al O'Moaney says:

    5 stars
    I added some grilled chicken to it. Yum!!!

    1. 5 stars
      Grilled chicken sounds like a great addition! I bet it makes it even heartier. 🍽️

  53. 3 stars
    I think the recipe just needs a little more spice, maybe some red pepper flakes? But overall, it’s alright.

  54. 2 stars
    Can I skip the olives? I hate them. Other than that it sounds fine.

  55. User avatar florene.bechtelar27 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Just made this for dinner and it was a hit! Also good with feta!

  56. 3 stars
    Noodles and veggies? Not my thing, but my kids liked it. So points for that.

    1. User avatar leonardo.batz86 says:

      5 stars
      Glad to hear your kids enjoyed it! My family loves this dish too. It’s so easy to make!

  57. User avatar Chasidy Wyman says:

    4 stars
    Pizza in a salad?! Count me in! I think Imma make this for the picnic!

    1. User avatar wellRespected says:

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious! Perfect for a picnic! 🥗🍕

  58. User avatar mauricio.douglas1982 says:

    5 stars
    This is the easiest and tastiest salad I’ve ever made! Perfect for parties!

  59. User avatar antony.damore87 says:

    5 stars
    Made this for a potluck, and everyone was raving! Thanks for the recipe!

  60. 4 stars
    Easy peasy! Made it for my kids and they gobbled it up! Will make again!

    1. 5 stars
      Awesome! I’m so glad your kids loved it! It’s super easy to make and tastes great!

  61. User avatar Dan Streetmentioner says:

    3 stars
    Sounds good, but why is it called Pizza Pasta Salad? There is no sauce!

  62. User avatar aleisha.armstrong87 says:

    5 stars
    This is such a delicious recipe! My kids loved it!

    1. User avatar Hotblack Desiato says:

      5 stars
      So glad to hear that! My kids loved it too! It’s a hit in our house!

  63. 5 stars
    Just made this and my kids gobbled it up! Will be a regular dish now.

    1. 5 stars
      That’s awesome! I’m always looking for easy recipes my kids will love, thanks for sharing!

    2. User avatar Prince of Hyrule says:

      2 stars
      Really? My kids didn’t like it at all. Maybe I didn’t make it right. 🤔

  64. User avatar cristina.kuhn1979 says:

    5 stars
    This salad is amazing! Perfect for summer BBQs. Everyone loved it!

    1. User avatar joe.vandervort says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser at my gatherings too!

    2. User avatar leonard.buckridge23 says:

      3 stars
      It was okay, but I think it needs more flavor. Maybe add some garlic?

  65. User avatar sharan.heaney84 says:

    5 stars
    This is soo good! Made it for a picnic and everyone loved it!

  66. User avatar Elmira Bailey says:

    2 stars
    Too many ingredients lol. I just want pasta without all this stuff.

  67. 5 stars
    Yummm, perfect for lunch! I switched the olives for jalapenos, really nice kick!

    1. User avatar simon.carter26 says:

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious! I love the idea of adding jalapenos for a spicy twist. Gonna try that tomorrow!

  68. User avatar alverta.renner1992 says:

    3 stars
    Why use fusilli? Any pasta works! Going to try with penne.

    1. 4 stars
      True, any pasta works! But fusilli holds the dressing better, ya know?

    2. 3 stars
      Penne? Really? But fusilli is fun! 😂

  69. 4 stars
    Looks easy, but I’m not good at cooking… might try this anyway.

3.69 from 99 votes
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Like 377
Close
Coolinarco.com © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Close
Popular Search: