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.
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
Quick and easy! I made it in like 30 minutes, perfect for busy days. I added some chicken too.
Can you use any type of dressing? I hate Italian…
Yessss! Just made this! But I used spaghetti instead and added more cheese. 👌
Cheese overload? That can’t be good for you… just saying. 🧐
Sounds like a tasty twist! Spaghetti is a great choice. I might try that next time! 🍝
This is sooo good! I made it for a party and it was gone in moments! Definitely a 5-star dish! 🍕
Yum! This sounds amazing! I’m totally trying this for my next family get-together. Thanks for sharing! 🍽️
I dunno, pasta and salad together? Seems kinda weird to me. Don’t think I would like it…
Not for me. It’s a mess of flavors. I’d prefer a traditional pasta or just a salad.
My kids loved it, which is a miracle! They usually complain about veggies. Hooray for pizza!
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!
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! 😊
Pizza pasta salad? Pure genius! I used leftover pizza toppings instead and it came out amazing!
I don’t know, something feels off. Why would you put pasta and salad together? Sounds weird.
This recipe is a travesty. Salad should never be mixed with pasta. Y’all are crazy for liking this.
Seems too easy. Not sure it’ll taste good. I might add some spices.
Not my fav. I prefer my pasta hot 😕.
I get that! Hot pasta is the best! This salad reminds me of summer tho. ☀️
Made this for a picnic and it was a big hit! Perfectly refreshing for summer.
Too salty for my taste. Maybe less dressing next time?
I totally get you! I think I’m gonna try it with less dressing too next time. It can be overwhelming sometimes.
I made this for my kids and they devoured it! Easy and fun to make. Thanks!
So good! Must try!
Seems a bit weird to mix pizza and pasta. Why would you do that?
I can’t wait to make this! Looks delicious!
Gotta say, I was skeptical about the pepperoni but it worked really well!
Uhm, I thought it was a little bland. Maybe more spices or something?
I made this last night but forgot the basil. It was still okay but definitely missing something!
Can’t believe how simple this was. I added grilled chicken too. So good!
Pizza pasta salad? Genius idea! I can’t believe I never thought of this.
OMG this is the best thing I ever made! SO easy!
I think fusilli pasta is overrated. Can I use macaroni? People say it’s the same.
yummy!! I added some jalapeños and it was 🔥 spicy but good!
This pasta salad is amazing! So fresh and delicious. My kids loved it too!
I’m glad to hear that! This salad is a win for family meals. Perfect for summer! 🍅
Looks good, but I don’t trust store-bought dressings. Are they really that tasty?
Yummy! Who knew pasta salad could taste like pizza? Love it! 😍
Mmm, pepperoni and pasta! What a combo! I can’t wait to try it!
This sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it at my next cookout.
Two cups pasta and only 1/2 cup pepperoni—needs more meat. Also 15 minutes feels too short. I let it sit like 2 hours and it was way better.
I hear you on the pepperoni 😄 I usually bump it up too. The 15 minutes is kind of the bare minimum—letting it sit makes it taste way more “pizza-y.”
Two cups pasta but only 1/2 cup pepperoni is criminal lol. I added extra meat and it definitely improved. Also I think the longer rest is where the magic is.
This pizza pasta salad is amazzzinging! My kids loved it!
I dunno, not the best recipe. Like, pasta and pizza are cool but together? Nah.
Just okay. The olives weren’t my thing. Kids hated it!
Pizza pasta salad? Sounds strange but I tried it and it’s legit. 5 stars for sure!!!
I was skeptical at first too, but when I tried it, wow! It really works. Totally agree with the 5 stars!
Pizza and pasta together? Sounds confusing. I ain’t sure that’s a good combo. 🤔
I don’t get it. Why would you mix pasta with pizza stuff? Seems weird to me.
Honestly, it does sound a bit odd. I prefer my pizza and pasta separate. But hey, to each their own!
I think it sounds delicious! Pasta and pizza are both great, so why not combine them? 🙂
I really don’t get the hype. It was just pasta with some stuff. Meh.
I dunno, it tasted kinda bland. Needs more seasoning.
Not sure about this fusion. Pasta in salad?? 🤔
This recipe is so easy, anyone can make it! Even my brother who burns water!
My kids loved it! They asked for it again this week. Thanks!
Can I just use ranch dressing instead?
Looks good but I don’t like olives. Can I leave those out?
It looks good but I think pasta and salad shouldn’t go together, just sayin’.
Y’all, this is perfect for summer BBQs. Easy and delish!
This pasta salad looks amazing! Gonna try it for my next BBQ. Thanks for sharing!
This was a hit at the potluck! Everyone loved it!
That sounds amazing! I need to try this recipe for my next gathering! 🎉
Great recipe for summer. Super refreshing!
Pretty good, but 15 minutes wasn’t enough for me. I let it chill like an hour and the flavors melded way more. Still keeping it in my rotation.
Pizza in a salad? Sounds wrong. Is that even food? No way I’m making that.
Yum! Perfect for summer BBQs. I added some jalapeños for a kick!
I accidentally used ranch dressing instead of Italian… yikes. Not good.
This is a great dish for lazy days!! So quick to make and delish. 🤤
I tried making this but I used spaghetti instead of fusilli. Oops!
Too much dressing! It turned out soggy. Next time, I’ll use less.
This was a hit at my party! Everyone loved it. Will make again!
Easy to make, but I think it needs more dressing. I added extra!
More dressing? Really? I thought it was already too wet. Different tastes, I guess.
I think adding more dressing is a great idea! It really makes everything tastier. Yum!
Why would anyone put pasta in a salad? Seems weird to me.
Why would anyone put olives in a salad? Yuck! I skipped them.
Not very impressed. The flavors didn’t blend well for me.
I mean, it’s just pasta salad, how complex can it be? I thought it was pretty decent for a quick meal.
I loved it! The flavors were great for me, maybe you didn’t let it chill enough? It really helps blend everything together!
I didn’t have cherry tomatoes so I used grape ones… still worked. Also my mozzarella cubes kinda melted a bit when I made it warm, so let everything cool like the instructions say.
This is sooo good! My kids loved it!!!
Looks yummy, but isn’t pasta salad kinda boring? 🤔
I’m so glad to hear that! It’s great for kids, isn’t it? 😊
No way this is as good as a real pizza. Disappointing! 😞
I dunno… it just didn’t taste like pizza to me. Maybe I did something wrong?
I was skeptical about putting pasta in a salad, but this turned out great!
I added some grilled chicken to it. Yum!!!
Grilled chicken sounds like a great addition! I bet it makes it even heartier. 🍽️
This is just pasta salad but with pizza stuff? Confused…
I think the recipe just needs a little more spice, maybe some red pepper flakes? But overall, it’s alright.
Can I skip the olives? I hate them. Other than that it sounds fine.
Yum! Just made this for dinner and it was a hit! Also good with feta!
Noodles and veggies? Not my thing, but my kids liked it. So points for that.
Glad to hear your kids enjoyed it! My family loves this dish too. It’s so easy to make!
Pizza in a salad?! Count me in! I think Imma make this for the picnic!
Sounds delicious! Perfect for a picnic! 🥗🍕
This is the easiest and tastiest salad I’ve ever made! Perfect for parties!
Made this for a potluck, and everyone was raving! Thanks for the recipe!
I don’t get why you’d mix pizza with pasta. Just have pizza or pasta, right?
Simple and delicious! Perfect for summer gatherings. Definitely making it again!
Really easy to make, but I think it needs more dressing. Next time I’ll double it!
It’s okay but the olives ruined it for me. I’m not a fan of them.
Easy peasy! Made it for my kids and they gobbled it up! Will make again!
Awesome! I’m so glad your kids loved it! It’s super easy to make and tastes great!
So good! I added some chicken and it made it more filling. Thanks for sharing! 😊
So easy to make! My kids devoured it in minutes. Will make again! 👍
Sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it myself. Kids will love this too!
I don’t know… pasta salad just seems weird. I mean, pizza is pizza, right? Why mix it?
Are you supposed to serve this hot or cold? I tried it warm and it was soggy.
It tastes way better cold! The flavors really come together when it’s chilled. Maybe try that next time.
Soggy?? That’s strange. I always thought pasta salad was cold. Did you let it sit in the fridge long enough?
I tried it and my kids said it tastes like a sandwich… so I guess that’s a win? I used basil from a jar and it was fine.
Pizza and pasta in one dish? Genius! 10/10 would eat.
Sounds good, but why is it called Pizza Pasta Salad? There is no sauce!
This is super easy to make! I added some grilled chicken for extra protein. Yum!
Sounds good on paper, but I worry it’ll get soggy. Pasta salad usually gets sad after a day in the fridge—anyone else notice that?
This is such a delicious recipe! My kids loved it!
So glad to hear that! My kids loved it too! It’s a hit in our house!
Just made this and my kids gobbled it up! Will be a regular dish now.
That’s awesome! I’m always looking for easy recipes my kids will love, thanks for sharing!
Really? My kids didn’t like it at all. Maybe I didn’t make it right. 🤔
5 stars ⭐️ easy and delicious. I didn’t even refrigerate long and it still slapped.
I made it exactly as written and it tasted really good. Only thing: I think the dressing amount could be a bit more (or toss longer). Still a keeper though.
This salad is amazing! Perfect for summer BBQs. Everyone loved it!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser at my gatherings too!
It was okay, but I think it needs more flavor. Maybe add some garlic?
This is soo good! Made it for a picnic and everyone loved it!
Not sure about mixing olives with pepperoni, it sounds weird but I tried it and it’s actually good. My kids were like ‘why is it green?’ though lol.
Lol I totally get the “why is it green?” reaction 😂 The olives + pepperoni flavor combo is actually legit—salty meets briny. Might try it next time but keep the kids’ portion separate so they don’t freak out at first look.
This would taste better with some ranch instead of Italian dressing, just sayin’.
I made it for my kids but they only ate the cheese! 🤷♂️
They like cheese, what can ya do? At least they’re eating something healthy! 😂
Kids can be picky! Maybe try adding more cheese next time? 🤔
Too many ingredients lol. I just want pasta without all this stuff.
Can I use regular pasta instead of fusilli? Just curious if it’ll change much.
Yum! I added grilled chicken to it. Made it even better, trust me!
Grilled chicken sounds like a great addition! I’ll have to try that next time. Thanks for the tip!
Ehh, grilled chicken? I dunno if that fits in with all the other flavors. Sounds weird.
Yummm, perfect for lunch! I switched the olives for jalapenos, really nice kick!
Sounds delicious! I love the idea of adding jalapenos for a spicy twist. Gonna try that tomorrow!
This is the perfect summer dish! So fresh and delicious! 🌞🍅
Why use fusilli? Any pasta works! Going to try with penne.
True, any pasta works! But fusilli holds the dressing better, ya know?
Penne? Really? But fusilli is fun! 😂
Honestly, I expected more flavor. It was kinda bland. Maybe I didn’t use enough dressing?
The Italian dressing is the whole deal, right? I used a really garlicky store-bought one and it tasted restaurant-y. Would recommend that approach.
I didn’t have olives, so I used pickles instead..was it a mistake? Tasted alright tho.
Using pickles instead of olives? That sounds adventurous! I’ve gotta try that sometime. 😄
I mean, pickles are kinda sour, right? Not sure if they fit in a pasta salad. But if you liked it, who cares!
This is such a fun recipe! I made it for a picnic, and everyone loved it! 👏
Sounds delicious! I’m going to try this for my next get-together! 😄
Awful. Pasta should not be cold. Why would you eat cold pasta salad? 🤢
Pizza Pasta Salad? Isn’t that basically just pasta with toppings? Kinda gimmicky, but I’ll admit the pepperoni + olives combo is actually good.
Not gimmicky—more like it’s the flavors of pizza in an easy cold format. The cooled pasta really helps it taste fresher, especially with the Italian dressing + basil.
It IS kinda just pasta with toppings… but like, the toppings are the point 😂. I’d add a little oregano and maybe more olives. Sounds good though.
Looks easy, but I’m not good at cooking… might try this anyway.
Super easy to make! Just toss everything in. My kids didn’t even notice the veggies!
Pizza and pasta should not be mixed! But gave it a try and it’s not bad.
Can anyone tell me if I can use spaghetti instead of fusilli? I only have spaghetti right now.
Spaghetti works just fine! It might be a bit different, but still yummy! 😊
I don’t think spaghetti is the same, just go buy fusilli. It’s not that hard!
Yum!
Really solid flavor, but I think 15 minutes isn’t enough. I let mine chill like an hour and it tasted way more “melded.”
Idk, 15 min works fine for me—maybe your peppers were extra juicy? If I chill longer it gets a little too cold and the pasta feels kinda firm, but flavor is still good.
Totally agree—15 minutes barely gives the dressing time to sink in. I do at least 45–60 min too, and it’s way better once everything’s actually chilled and melded.
idk if I like this… too much stuff in it. just give me plain pasta.
This was a total hit at my BBQ! Everyone loved it. Thanks for sharing! 🍕🥗
Not gonna lie, the ingredient list is a little intense, but it turned out good. I used low-sodium dressing and it still had plenty of bite.
Short and sweet: SO GOOD!
Totally agree! Can’t get enough of this salad. Perfect for summer!
Way too much onion for my taste. I like onion, just not that much. Otherwise it’s pretty tasty and the olives make it feel legit.
I get that—red onion can be strong. I’ve started using a lot less (like 1–2 tbsp) and it still tastes great. The olives really do add that “real” vibe.
What in the world is fusilli? Can I use spaghetti instead?
I thought this recipe was okay but nothing special. The flavors didn’t really pop for me.
Amazing! I added some grilled chicken and it turned out fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
Uh, I don’t know about adding chicken. Pasta salad should be light, not heavy. Just my opinion.
Grilled chicken? That sounds like a great idea! I never thought to add meat to a pasta salad. Gotta try it!
Yummy! Can I add chicken or something? Seems like it needs more protein. But delish anyway.
Ummm, where are you gonna fit the chicken? This is already packed! Just stick to the recipe, it’s tasty.
Absolutely, chicken would be great in this! Just diced or shredded, whatever you prefer. Enjoy!
Awesome recipe! I added some jalapeños, turned out spicy but good!
Why is it pasta salad? Sounds weird but I guess pizza ingredients are pizza ingredients. Might try it when I’m out of ideas.
Is this even a salad if there’s no lettuce? Not impressed.
This was alright. The Italian dressing was too much for me. Next time less dressing.
Why not just use less dressing? Seems easy enough! Or maybe try ranch instead?
I totally get that! Maybe try a homemade dressing next time? You can control the amount better.
Sorry but the pepperoni feels a little heavy in a pasta salad. Like overpowering the tomatoes and basil. Next time I’ll use less or add more veggies.
I disagree a bit—pepperoni is the point of pizza pasta salad 😅. But if it’s overpowering, try adding more tomatoes or basil and maybe a little extra dressing. Also some brands of pepperoni are saltier.
Totally get that—pepperoni is super flavorful and can dominate fast. I’m tempted to cut it down to like 1/4 cup next time or even swap in turkey pepperoni if you want it lighter.
I don’t get it. Pasta in a salad? Sounds weird to me. Not trying this.
Really? This is a recipe? Just throw stuff together and call it food? Aging boomer vibes.
Tasty! But I think it’s missing some spice. Maybe add red pepper flakes?
Loved this recipe! It was a hit at the BBQ. Lots of flavor and super easy to make! Definitely making again.
So glad you enjoyed it! It’s super easy and perfect for summer parties. Can’t wait to hear how it goes next time!
BBQ? Really? This doesn’t seem like the right fit for that. Anyway, different strokes I guess.
I might be doing something wrong, but my pasta ended up a bit dry even with the dressing. Maybe my dressing was too thick or I rinsed too aggressively.
Made it for a potluck and it was gone fast. The pepperoni slices stayed tasty even after chilling. Next time I’ll cut the onion a bit smaller for consistency.
I don’t like olives, can I leave them out? Will it still taste good without them?
Yes, you can totally leave out the olives! It should still taste great without them. Just maybe add a bit more veggies or some extra pepperoni for flavor!
This is such a clever mash-up—pizza vibes without the hassle. The pepperoni + olives combo is spot on. I’ll definitely make it for potlucks.
Yesss, this sounds perfect for potlucks—easy but still tastes like pizza. 🍕 Love the pepperoni + olives idea.
I forgot the dressing and it was still ok. Just boring pasta!!!
Yum! I added garlic and it was delish! Totally making this again.
Honestly? This is my new quick lunch. I meal prepped it and it held up great in the fridge for a couple days. Yum!
Too many ingredients. I like simple recipes.
5 stars! Perfect for summer picnics and very tasty. Everyone asks for the recipe now! 🔥
My kids love it! They think it’s like pizza but in a bowl. 😄👍
I didn’t have basil, but I used parsley instead. Came out kinda weird…
This salad is a game changer! I made it for my BBQ and everyone loved it. 5 stars!
I made it for a potluck and it disappeared fast. The cold pasta + Italian dressing really works. Next time I’ll use a bit more mozzarella though.
Yum! I used leftover pizza toppings we had. Can’t believe I didn’t think of this sooner!
Not bad, but I feel like it needs more seasoning or something. 😕
Sorry, but this is a glorified pasta dish. Not very creative.
So freaking delicious!!! I’m making this for my potluck next week.
Sounds amazing! I bet everyone will love it at the potluck!
I didn’t have all the ingredients, but used what I had and turned out okay, I guess.
I followed it exactly but it felt a little salty with the pepperoni + olives together. Also I didn’t love the bell pepper texture. Maybe cut smaller next time?
Isn’t pasta salad supposed to have more dressing? I felt it was a bit dry.
I thought it was great, but I do like more dressing too! Maybe try adding a little extra next time.
My kids loved it! Finally a way to get them to eat veggies. Thank you!
This is such a clever mash-up—pizza vibes but in pasta salad form. The Italian dressing + basil combo is perfect. I added a little extra mozzarella and it still worked great.
Totally agree—pizza pasta salad is such a win. I love how the Italian dressing and basil actually make it taste “right,” not just like cold pasta. Extra mozz is always the correct move 😄
Not gonna lie, the store-bought Italian dressing can make or break it. Mine was kinda bland, so I had to add salt and garlic powder. After that it was solid.
Totally get it—Italian dressing varies a LOT. Your fix with salt and garlic powder is exactly what I’d do. Glad it turned out solid!
This is such a fun mash-up—tastes like pizza, but lighter. The pepperoni and olives combo is perfect. I added extra basil and it was even better.
Totally agree—this really scratches the pizza itch without feeling heavy. I’m weirdly obsessed with the pepperoni + olives combo 😄