Description

Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad is a flavorful and vibrant pasta salad that brings together the classic tastes of pizza in an easy-to-make dish. Featuring tender rotini pasta mixed with mini pepperoni slices, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, and banana peppers, this salad is tossed in a zesty Italian dressing for a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, and convenient lunches, it’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that captures the essence of pizza in salad form.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

12 oz rotini pasta
1 cup mini pepperoni slices
1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup black olives, sliced
½ cup green bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup banana peppers, sliced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

⅓ cup olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water until it is completely cooled to stop the cooking process and prepare it for the salad.
Combine salad ingredients: Transfer the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add the mini pepperoni slices, mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, finely diced red onion, sliced banana peppers, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss these ingredients to evenly combine.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure all the dressing ingredients are thoroughly emulsified.
Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing, ensuring the distribution of flavors throughout the salad.
Chill before serving: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This resting time enhances the taste and texture of the salad.
Final toss and serve: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. If desired, add a little extra dressing to refresh the flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delicious, pizza-inspired pasta salad experience.

Notes

Use mini pepperoni for easier eating, or quarter regular pepperoni slices for similar results.
Add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or fresh basil to enhance the pizza-inspired flavor profile.
For a vegetarian version, substitute pepperoni with sliced olives, mushrooms, or vegetarian pepperoni.
This salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance; the flavors improve with time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish, Pasta Salad, Lunch
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American