Description
Pizza Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining cooked rotini pasta with classic pizza ingredients like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, pepperoni, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. This easy, make-ahead salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a tasty lunch option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 3 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
Protein and Cheese
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni or vegetarian pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing and Seasonings
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse it with cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, diced pepperoni, cubed mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing and seasonings.
- Chill and Meld Flavors: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and develop.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil if desired for an added burst of freshness and aroma.
Notes
- This salad is highly versatile—feel free to swap in different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheeses and a lighter Italian dressing.
- You can prepare this salad a day ahead to save time; it will taste even better after resting overnight.
