Pizza Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Fusion of Two Favorite Comfort Foods

Are you craving the hearty satisfaction of pizza but also in the mood for something light, refreshing, and just a little bit different? Well, I’ve got the perfect solution for you! Introducing Pizza Pasta Salad—a delicious, no-fuss dish that blends the best of both worlds: the rich, savory flavors of pizza with the comforting bite of pasta. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, getting together with family for a barbecue, or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is the perfect solution.

This dish is packed with all the pizza toppings we know and love—pepperoni, mozzarella, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty Italian dressing that ties everything together in the most flavorful way possible. It’s quick to make, and even better, it’s highly customizable to suit everyone’s tastes! Best of all, it’s a budget-friendly recipe that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser at your next get-together or meal prep session.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of pizza and pasta, then this recipe is absolutely going to be your new favorite. Here’s why:

• Savory pizza flavors meet hearty pasta: The combination of pizza-inspired toppings like pepperoni, mozzarella, and olives tossed together with pasta is nothing short of amazing. You’ll get that satisfying pizza flavor in every bite.
• Easy and quick: This Pizza Pasta Salad is so easy to make—just cook the pasta, toss the ingredients together, add some dressing, and let it chill. It takes no time at all to prepare, making it a fantastic option for easy weeknight dinners or a quick family meal.
• Customizable: You can add or remove any toppings you like. Want to skip the pepperoni for a vegetarian version? Or throw in some grilled chicken for extra protein? The possibilities are endless!
• Make ahead and perfect for leftovers: It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld, which makes it a fantastic dish to make ahead. If you’re meal planning for the week, this is a great recipe to add to your rotation of healthy meal plans for two or even meal prep microwave lunches.
• Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a BBQ, or a picnic, this salad is sure to impress. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food with a twist, and people can’t help but go back for seconds!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

What makes Pizza Pasta Salad stand out is the combination of familiar pizza flavors with the refreshing, easy-to-eat texture of pasta salad. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re indulging, but it’s light and refreshing enough to be enjoyed on a warm day.

• Perfect for meal prep: This dish can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it ideal for those easy meal prep sessions. It’s a great option for packing for lunch or serving as a side at dinner. Plus, it’s one of those high protein meals that can be easily customized to fit your dietary needs, whether you’re looking for high-protein ready meals or low-calorie chicken meal prep.
• Packed with flavor: The rich Italian dressing, combined with the saltiness of the pepperoni and olives, gives this salad a punch of flavor. The mozzarella adds that cheesy goodness, and the vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions balance everything out perfectly. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while still keeping the pizza vibe going strong.
• Perfect for any occasion: From family dinners to potlucks, or picnics, this salad has versatility written all over it. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that doesn’t break the bank but still satisfies everyone’s taste buds.

Ingredients

Save

This dish is made with simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Rotini pasta (or any short pasta like penne or bowtie)
• Pepperoni slices
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Black olives, sliced
• Mozzarella cheese cubes (or mini mozzarella balls)
• Red onion, diced
• Green bell pepper, diced
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh basil, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Tip: You can also make this dish your own by swapping out ingredients! If you’re following a keto meal plan or a low-fat meal delivery diet, you can use turkey pepperoni or skip the pepperoni altogether for a veggie version.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Now let’s walk through the steps to making this mouth-watering Pizza Pasta Salad. It’s easier than you think!

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking the rotini pasta (or your preferred pasta shape) according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Be sure to drain it well and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will stop the cooking process and keep the pasta from getting mushy.
2. Prepare the toppings: While the pasta is cooling, start chopping up the toppings. Slice the pepperoni into halves or quarters, depending on your preference. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, slice the black olives, and dice the red onion and green bell pepper. You want everything bite-sized and easy to mix into the pasta.
3. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with all the prepared toppings—pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, red onion, and green bell pepper. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together evenly.
4. Add the dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and toppings. Toss everything until it’s well coated. If you like extra dressing, feel free to add a little more!
5. Season it: Add salt and pepper to taste. I like to go a little heavier on the pepper to give it a bit of a kick, but feel free to adjust to your liking.
6. Garnish and refrigerate: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor, and garnish with fresh basil. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and gives it that chilled, refreshing taste.
7. Serve and enjoy!: After chilling, give the salad a quick toss, and it’s ready to serve! It’s as simple as that.

Tips for Best Results

• Let it chill: Don’t skip the chilling step! The flavors of the dressing and toppings really come together when given time to sit in the fridge.
• Use a variety of pasta shapes: Rotini is great because it holds onto the dressing, but you can switch it up with penne, bowtie, or even fusilli if you want to change things up.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or even some roasted red peppers. The more colorful, the better!
• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to give it a spicy kick. It’s a great way to elevate the flavor if you love a little heat.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Vegan version: For a vegan twist, skip the cheese and pepperoni and use plant-based alternatives like vegan mozzarella and veggie pepperoni.
• Gluten-free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. This makes it perfect for anyone on a gluten-free meal plan.
• Add protein: Want to make this salad more substantial? Add grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or even some sausage to turn this into a high protein meal or a high-protein ready-made meal.
• Different cheeses: You can swap mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or any of your favorite Italian cheeses. The more cheese, the better!

Serving Suggestions

Save

• Perfect as a side dish: Serve this Pizza Pasta Salad as a side dish to complement a main meal like grilled chicken or steak. It pairs wonderfully with almost anything!
• As a main meal: Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside a low-calorie chicken meal prep or high-protein pre-made meals to keep the whole family satisfied.
• Great for picnics or potlucks: Whether you’re heading to a picnic, BBQ, or potluck, this dish is the perfect crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and can be served cold or at room temperature.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

• Drinks: Pair this salad with a nice chilled lemonade or an iced tea for a refreshing combo. If you’re looking for something with a bit more kick, try a glass of sangria or a light white wine.
• Sides: Serve alongside a fresh, crisp green salad or some garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal. You can even make some roasted vegetables to add a healthy side dish.
• Dessert: After the savory goodness of this salad, go for something light like fruit sorbet or lemon bars to keep the citrusy theme going.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This is a fantastic recipe for meal prep as it gets even better the next day.
• Reheating: This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just toss it with a little extra dressing if it feels a bit dry after storing.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

• Make-ahead: This salad can be made a day ahead, and in fact, the flavors meld better if you let it sit in the fridge overnight. It’s an ideal dish to prepare for a quick family meal or healthy eating for two.
• Freezer: Freezing this salad isn’t recommended due to the texture of the pasta and vegetables. However, you can freeze the ingredients separately, and assemble the salad fresh when needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not letting it chill long enough: Give the salad time to sit in the fridge so the flavors can meld. Don’t rush it!
• Using the wrong pasta: Make sure to choose a sturdy pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie. Thin pasta will break down and get mushy when mixed with the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?
  Yes! This salad actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend together. It’s a great option for meal prep.
• Can I use homemade Italian dressing?
  Absolutely! Homemade Italian dressing can take the flavor of this salad to the next level. Feel free to use your favorite recipe.
• Can I add protein?
  Yes, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked sausage makes this a more substantial meal. Perfect for those following a protein meal plan.
• How long can pizza pasta salad sit out?
  It’s best not to leave the salad out for more than 2 hours, as it contains cheese and other perishable ingredients.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or spoon for tossing
• Knife and chopping board for prepping vegetables
• Refrigerator for chilling

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!