Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad
Looking for the perfect summer recipe that you can bring to every pool party and barbecue? We’ve got you covered. Instead of the heavy, cream-based pasta salads of yore, we’ve got a lighter, jam-packed salad that’s got tons of flavor and is inspired by our favorite savory pie – pepperoni pizza. With noodles as the base, we added plenty of cheeses, tomatoes, pepperoni and lots of seasoning, ensuring that this pasta salad is always delicious and addictive. You’ll see!
So instead of the aforementioned heavy sauce, we used an oil-based sauce with olive oil and red wine vinegar, that we seasoned with Italian seasoning, garlic and onion powder, and red pepper flakes. This is basically a light Italian dressing – that you could use on just about any salad you like, pasta or otherwise – and we love how it coats everything without taking any attention away from the star of the show, which is all that yummy pepperoni! Hold off on adding any salt at first, since you may find that the pepperoni takes care of the salty element for you, but if you want to amp up any of the other seasoning, go right ahead!
This is a great dish, especially for warmer months, since you can prep everything ahead of time and throw it together just a couple minutes before people are expected over or just before you’re ready to head out the door. You’ve probably got all the dressing ingredients on hand, plus, any leftovers you may have you can just throw on a pizza later in the week! That’s what we call a win-win!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on traditional pasta salads. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its bold flavors and easy preparation. Perfect for any gathering, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Medium bowl for mixing dressing
- Large bowl for tossing salad
- Whisk for stirring dressing
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz.) package rotini pasta (tri-color, optional), cooked and drained
- 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 8 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz. sliced pepperoni
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and parmesan cheese. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes, if using. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, cherry tomatoes, and sliced pepperoni in a large bowl.
- Pour the olive oil dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Cook the pasta al dente to ensure it holds its shape in the salad.
- Refrigerate the salad for a while to let the flavors meld together.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference, but be cautious with the salt.
Additional Tips or Variations
Feel free to add other pizza toppings such as olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. You can also swap out the cheeses for your favorites, or try a spicy pepperoni for a kick.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This salad is packed with protein from the cheeses and pepperoni, and provides a good dose of healthy fats from the olive oil. It’s a balanced dish that satisfies without being too heavy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Rotini is recommended as its twists hold onto the dressing and ingredients well, but any short pasta will do.
Conclusion
Give this Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad a try at your next gathering and watch it disappear before your eyes. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple at your summer events. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with!
