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Pizza Pasta Salad recipe

Pizza Pasta Salad recipe

This Pizza Pasta Salad recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and convenient way to enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors in a refreshing, no-cook format. This versatile dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, combining the best of both worlds.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound your favorite short pasta (such as rotini, penne, or farfalle), cooked according to package directions and cooled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 cup chopped pepperoni, or your favorite pizza topping (e.g., cooked Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions)
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Italian dressing (bottled or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Prepare your chosen short pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and help it cool down. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large serving bowl.
    1 pound your favorite short pasta (such as rotini, penne, or farfalle), cooked according to package directions and cooled
  2. To the bowl with the cooled pasta, add the quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped pepperoni (or your chosen pizza toppings), sliced black olives, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped red onion.
    1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered, 1 cup chopped pepperoni, or your favorite pizza topping (e.g., cooked Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions), 1/2 cup sliced black olives, 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper, 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Add the chopped fresh basil.
    1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  4. In a separate small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir until well combined and smooth.
    1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Italian dressing (bottled or homemade), 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and toppings in the large serving bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Pizza Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling step is crucial for the best taste experience.

Notes

Leftover Pizza Pasta Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is not generally recommended.