Description
Pizza Pasta Salad is a vibrant and delicious summer salad combining tender rotini pasta, mini pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, fresh vegetables, and classic Italian flavors. Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing, this make-ahead side dish is perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, and casual summer gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup mini pepperoni
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 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 basil, 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
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to a large bowl. Stir in the mini pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, finely diced red onion, sliced banana peppers, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil, mixing gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.
- Serve: Toss the salad again just before serving. Add extra dressing if needed to adjust flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Make this salad up to 24 hours ahead of time for a convenient and flavorful party side dish.
- Add cooked chicken or turkey pepperoni to boost protein content.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls work best for this salad, but cubed mozzarella cheese can be used as a substitute.
- For the best flavor, add fresh basil just before serving to keep its brightness.
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Pasta Salad, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
