Pizza pasta salad brings together two comfort-food favorites in one colorful, easy dish. Tender pasta is tossed with pepperoni, mozzarella, crisp vegetables, and a tangy pizza-inspired dressing for a bold, satisfying salad that works beautifully as a side dish, potluck recipe, or simple make-ahead meal.
A Pizza Lover’s Dream in Salad Form
- Classic pizza flavor in every bite: Pepperoni, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, bell pepper, and a zesty dressing give this pasta salad the taste of a loaded pizza without turning on the oven.
- Easy, fun, and full of flavor: This recipe is a great way to change up traditional pasta salad. The pizza sauce in the dressing adds a rich, savory flavor that makes the whole dish stand out.
- Perfect for sharing: Pizza pasta salad makes a generous batch, holds up well in the refrigerator, and is easy to take to picnics, barbecues, parties, or family dinners.
Ingredients Needed
- Pasta: Rotini is a great choice because the spirals hold onto the dressing, but any short pasta shape can work. Penne, bowtie, or shells are all good options. Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after chilling.
- Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni is easy to toss into the salad, but regular pepperoni works too. If using larger slices, cut them into smaller pieces so they are easy to eat in every forkful.
- Mozzarella: Cubed mozzarella adds creamy texture and mild flavor. Keep the pieces bite-sized so they mix evenly throughout the salad.
- Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, black olives, and red onion add freshness, crunch, color, and a classic pizza-style taste.
- Optional Add-Ins: If you want to customize the salad, try adding banana peppers, salami, or mushrooms. Use toppings you already enjoy on pizza, and keep the amounts balanced so the pasta salad does not become too heavy.
- Pizza Sauce: Pizza sauce gives the dressing its signature flavor. Marinara can also be used if that is what you have on hand.
- Olive Oil and Red Wine Vinegar: These create a smooth, tangy base that coats the pasta without making it feel too heavy.
- Parmesan and Seasonings: Grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper bring the dressing together with savory depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a small pinch for gentle heat, or leave them out for a milder pasta salad.
How to Make Pizza Pasta Salad
This easy pizza pasta salad comes together in a few simple steps. It is a practical recipe when you need something flavorful but low effort, especially because it can be served right away or made in advance. The key is to cool the pasta before mixing it with the cheese, vegetables, and dressing so the ingredients stay fresh and the salad keeps its best texture.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and drain it again very well.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to a large bowl with the pepperoni, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, sliced black olives, and diced red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, pizza sauce, red wine vinegar, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve.
Must Have Tools For This Recipe
- Large Serving Bowl: A roomy bowl makes it easier to toss the pasta, toppings, and dressing without spilling.
- Whisk: Use a whisk to blend the dressing until it is smooth and well combined.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps cut the vegetables, cheese, and pepperoni into bite-sized pieces.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board gives you a safe, steady surface for prep work.
Pizza Pasta Salad
This pizza pasta salad is tossed with rotini, pepperoni, mozzarella, fresh vegetables, and a bold pizza-style dressing for an easy side dish packed with flavor.
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 10
Total Time: 30
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup mini pepperoni
- 8 ounces cubed mozzarella
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 diced green bell pepper
- 1 (2.5-ounce) can sliced black olives
- ½ small diced red onion
Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Pasta Salad
-
Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, drain again thoroughly, and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, mini pepperoni, cubed mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, sliced black olives, and diced red onion.
Dressing
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, pizza sauce, red wine vinegar, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until the ingredients are evenly coated. Serve right away or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
- Leftovers: Store pizza pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance. For the freshest texture, reserve a little dressing and toss it in just before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 515kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Sodium: 537mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Sodium: 537mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian American
More of My Favorite Pasta Salads
If you love a chilled pasta salad, this pizza pasta salad is a great place to start. These other pasta salad ideas are also flavorful, easy to serve, and perfect for warm-weather meals, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
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Cowboy Pasta Salad
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