🍕 Pizza Pasta Salad
“All your favorite pizza flavors in one bowl!”
This zesty, cheesy pasta salad is packed with pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, and Italian herbs. It’s like a supreme pizza — but chilled, refreshing, and perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or weekly meal prep. Flavorful, filling, and fast!
🧾 Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini (or any short pasta), cooked and cooled
- 1 ½ cups mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni, halved)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls (or diced block mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
🍳 Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Boil rotini according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool. - Prep the ingredients:
Slice, dice, and chop all mix-ins (pepperoni, veggies, cheese, etc.). - Make the dressing:
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl or jar. - Toss it all together:
In a large bowl, combine pasta, pepperoni, veggies, cheese, and herbs. Drizzle with dressing and mix well. - Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. - Serve:
Top with extra herbs or shredded Parmesan, if desired. Serve cold.
🍽️ Servings
Makes: 6–8 servings (as a side), or 4 large servings (as a main dish)
💡 Notes & Tips
- Customize it! Add banana peppers, cooked sausage, artichokes, or shredded provolone.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the pepperoni or using veggie pepperoni.
- Pasta shape ideas: Bowtie, penne, or shells also work well.
- Meal prep winner: Keeps well in the fridge up to 4–5 days.
- For even more flavor, add a few tbsp of your favorite Italian dressing.
🧮 Nutritional Info (approx. per serving – 1 cup)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
May vary depending on ingredients used.
💪 Benefits
- Great high-protein cold dish option
- Balanced mix of carbs, fat, and protein
- Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer dinners
- Packed with antioxidant-rich veggies like tomatoes and peppers
- Kid-friendly & lunchbox-ready
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, it’s better the next day once the flavors soak in.
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Definitely — just be gentle when mixing, as GF pasta is more fragile.
Q: What’s a good meat-free alternative to pepperoni?
A: Try smoked tofu, marinated chickpeas, or veggie pepperoni slices.
Q: Does it need to be refrigerated?
A: Yes, store covered in the fridge. Best served cold or at room temp.