Pizza Pasta Salad
A refreshing fusion of classic pizza ingredients and pasta, the Pizza Pasta Salad is perfect for potlucks, summer cookouts, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Dressings
- 8 ounces rotini pasta Cook according to package instructions
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing Use regular or light as per preference
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Meats
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni Can be toasted for added flavor
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water.
Prepare Ingredients
- Slice the pepperoni, dice the mozzarella, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the black olives.
Mix Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, pepperoni, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, black olives, green bell pepper, and red onion.
Dress and Season
- Pour Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until well-coated.
- Add dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure flavors are evenly distributed.
Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Enhance the salad by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Consider using different pasta types or adding a variety of toppings.