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
