Pasta Salad With Pepperoni
This pizza pasta salad is a fresh, easy side dish that combines all your favorite pizza flavors in one easy dish! Loaded with pasta, cheese, pepperoni, and zesty dressing for a crowd-pleasing side. Perfect for summer meals, potlucks, picnics, and quick lunches.
Servings: 6
Calories: 312kcal
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta
- 1 green pepper diced, substitute with orange, yellow, or red pepper if desired
- 3 tablespoons sliced black olives
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, grape tomatoes or diced roma tomatoes are great too
- 1 cup mozzarella cubes
- 1 cup mini pepperoni or quarter regular pizza pepperoni.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 ½ cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons pizza seasoning
Instructions
- In a large non-stick pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Don't forget to add salt as it enhances pasta flavor. Run pasta under cold water to stop cooking process and help cool. Drain and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients. Salad must be as dry as possible so use a little paper towel to prevent a watery salad.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, pepper, black olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cubes, mini pepperoni, parmesan cheese, and Italian dressing. Mix the ingredients well until they're well coated in Italian dressing. If using shredded cheese add before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Sprinkle the pizza seasoning over the salad. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Storage: Store up to 4 days in airtight container in your refrigerator. For best results make ahead and chill for at least an hour so flavors meld.
- Cook pasta al dente: Helps it hold its shape after mixing. If you overcook pasta texture will not be firm.
- Toss gently: Prevents breaking pasta and ingredients.
- Add dressing gradually: Avoid overdressing and becoming soupy. You don't want a soggy salad.
- Chill before serving: Enhances flavor and texture after 1-2 hours.
- Customize toppings: Make it your own.
- Cut ingredients evenly: Ensures balanced bites.
- Add cheese last: Use firm mozzarella cubes and add them after the pasta has cooled to keep it from softening too much.
- Refresh before serving: Stir before serving to redistribute dressing. Add a splash of dressing if salad looks dry because the pasta absorbed too much while chilling.
Nutrition
Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 1066mg | Potassium: 227mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 387IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 1mg