Loaded with all your favorite pizza flavors, this Pizza Pasta Salad is delicious! What’s not to love? Combining pizza toppings and pasta makes for a hearty meal that’s loaded with protein and lots of flavor. It’s a great potluck salad, too, and kids also love it!
Pizza Pasta Salad? Heck, yea! It’s loaded with pepperoni, cheese, tomatoes, bell pepper, and more, and the best part is that you can customize it, adding or removing all your favorite pizza toppings. Be sure to check out my list of optional add-ins to make it just how you like it.
This easy pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, outdoor BBQs and parties, or anytime you want a great-tasting pasta salad. I pack it my husband’s lunch, and the kids snack on it when they get home.
You can make it ahead of time just be sure to give it enough time to chill in the fridge before serving. This way, the flavors will all come together, too! Grab a fork and dig in!
What You’ll Love About Pizza Pasta Salad
- With simple, easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to whip up.
- It’s customizable! Add in all your favorite pizza toppings. See my suggestions below.
- A sure hit at any social event, everyone loves the flavors in Pizza Pasta Salad.
Ingredients
- Tri-color rotini pasta – Cooked according to the directions on the package.
- Pepperoni – Use mini pepperoni or cut sliced pepperoni into half moons.
- Italian dressing – Or homemade Italian vinaigrette.
- Pepper Jack cheese – Diced.
- Grape tomatoes – Halved.
- Green bell pepper – Diced.
- Red onion – Diced.
- Parsley – Chopped.
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
Optional Add-ins
To further personalize your Pizza Pasta Salad, consider incorporating some of these popular add-ins:
- Olives – Sliced black or green olives.
- Artichoke hearts
- Mozzarella balls or pearls
- Sliced mushrooms
- Sliced jalapeños
How To Make Pizza Pasta Salad
- Boil the tri-color rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, or 1 minute less than the recommended cooking time, then drain it and rinse it under cold water to cool.
- Combine the pepperoni, cheese, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, parsley and Italian seasoning in a large bowl.
- Pour the Italian dressing or vinaigrette over the ingredients and toss to coat evenly.
- Add the pasta and mix well, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Step-By-Step Process
Heather’s Tried-And-True Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially when it comes to parsley and tomatoes.
- If you prefer a zesty flavor, add more Italian seasoning or a splash of extra dressing before serving.
- Make this salad a day ahead; it tastes even better as the flavors develop overnight.
- If your salad gets a bit dry before serving, add a few tablespoons of Italian dressing to wake it up. Olive oil will also work.
Make It A Meal
Pizza Pasta Salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, or these Ninja Foodi air fryer pork chops – yum! Or serve it alongside a crisp, green salad to lighten the meal. For a complete Italian feast, consider adding garlic bread or focaccia on the side.
Storage
This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. It’s perfect for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. While freezing is not recommended (as the fresh vegetables and pasta may become soggy when thawed), the salad’s longevity in the fridge makes it a practical choice for meal prepping or making ahead.
Pizza Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fusilli pasta uncooked
- 4 ounces pepperoni sliced
- 6 ounces pepper Jack cheese cubed
- ½ bell pepper diced
- ¼ cup red onion diced
- ½ pint grape tomatoes cut in half
- ¾ cup Italian dressing or homemade Italian vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the tri-color rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, or 1 minute less than the recommended cooking time, then drain it and rinse it under cold water to cool.
- Combine the pepperoni, cheese, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, parsley and Italian seasoning in a large bowl.
- Pour the Italian dressing or vinaigrette over the ingredients and toss to coat evenly.
- Add the pasta and mix well, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Heather’s Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially when it comes to parsley and tomatoes.
- If you prefer a zesty flavor, add more Italian seasoning or a splash of extra dressing before serving.
- Make this salad a day ahead; it tastes even better as the flavors develop overnight.
- If your salad gets a bit dry before serving, add a few tablespoons of Italian dressing to wake it up. Olive oil will also work.