Pasta salads are a staple of any picnic, potluck, or BBQ gathering. With their vibrant colors, varied textures, and delicious flavors, they appeal to a wide audience. This Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of pizza with the comforting and hearty qualities of pasta, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish. Packed with pepperoni, mozzarella, fresh veggies, and an easy homemade Italian dressing, it’s a versatile dish that you can prepare in advance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Prep time is minimal, making it an ideal dish for busy schedules.
- Customizable: Add or swap ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or events as it stays fresh for several days.
- Versatile: Serves as a side dish, lunch, or even a light dinner.
Ingredients Breakdown
Pasta Salad Base
- Pasta (1 lb): Choose rotini, fusilli, or penne, as their ridges hold the dressing beautifully.
- Tip: Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Mozzarella (8 oz): Diced mozzarella adds creaminess and flavor.
- Pepperoni (8 oz): Brings a savory, slightly spicy kick. Feel free to use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.
- Roma Tomatoes (2): Fresh tomatoes balance the richness of cheese and pepperoni.
- Red Bell Pepper (½ cup): Adds crunch and sweetness.
- Black Olives (½ cup): Sliced olives provide a briny depth.
- Parsley (¼ cup): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Red Onion (¼ cup): Adds a sharp, tangy bite.
- Green Onions (4): Complement the red onions with a mild onion flavor.
Homemade Italian Dressing
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (¾ cup): The base of the dressing, adding richness.
- White Vinegar (3 tbsp): Provides the tangy element.
- Water (2 tbsp): Helps balance the oil and vinegar ratio.
- Garlic (1 clove): Fresh garlic enhances the savory depth.
- Sea Salt (2 tsp): Seasoning that elevates all flavors.
- Sugar (2 tsp): Balances the acidity of vinegar.
- Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds a subtle spice.
- Fresh Herbs:
- Oregano, rosemary, thyme, and basil (1 tbsp each).
- Tip: Substitute with 4 tsp of dried Italian herbs if fresh isn’t available.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Ensure it’s fully cooled before assembling the salad.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Dice mozzarella, pepperoni, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
- Slice black olives, red onion, and green onions.
- Chop parsley and other fresh herbs for garnish.
3. Make the Italian Dressing
- In a bowl or shaker, combine olive oil, vinegar, water, garlic, salt, sugar, and black pepper.
- Add fresh or dried herbs.
- Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified.
4. Assemble the Salad
- Place cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl.
- Add all salad ingredients: mozzarella, pepperoni, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, parsley, red onions, and green onions.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.
- Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
5. Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better) to let the flavors meld.
- Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing.
Tips for Success
- Cooking Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to refrigerate overnight to avoid sogginess.
- Customizations:
- Add more veggies like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach.
- Swap pepperoni with salami or turkey for a twist.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs are ideal for bold flavors, but dried herbs work in a pinch.
- Serving: Serve cold or at room temperature for the best taste.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving as the dressing may settle.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches. It’s also a standalone dish for light lunches, particularly during warmer months.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx. 2 cups)
- Calories: 568 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 35g
- Sodium: 1076mg
- Fiber: 2g
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni and add roasted veggies like zucchini or eggplant.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that other ingredients (like pepperoni) are certified gluten-free.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the dressing.
Conclusion
This Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad is an effortless crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, attending a potluck, or simply craving the flavors of pizza in a new form, this pasta salad delivers.
Try it out, and feel free to customize it to your liking. Enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow!