Pizza Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Pizza Pasta Salad
Description
The Pizza Pasta Salad consists of cooked and cooled spiral pasta mixed with pepperoni pieces, cubed mozzarella, sliced olives, diced fresh tomato, and shredded Parmesan cheese. An Italian dressing binds these components, adding a tangy and herbaceous layer. The salad is chilled for several hours to allow flavors to meld and for the dressing to be evenly absorbed into the pasta.
The overall flavor is reminiscent of traditional pizza, with the richness of pepperoni and cheeses balanced by the fresh tomato and briny olives. The dressing enhances the salad with herbs and acidity, making the dish refreshing and hearty. The varied textures from firm pasta, chewy pepperoni, and soft cheese provide a satisfying mouthfeel.
This salad serves well as a side dish or light meal, especially in warmer weather or informal gatherings. Its adaptation for portability, including storage in a sealed container and occasional flipping during chilling, helps distribute the dressing uniformly for consistent flavor.
Additional pizza-inspired toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, cooked sausage, or pineapple can be added to customize the salad. Various herbs and spices may also be introduced to adjust flavor complexity.
Ingredients
- 1 bag spiral noodles colored
- ¾ cup pepperoni cut into wedges
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes
- ½ cup olive sliced
- ¾ cup tomato diced, fresh
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese not the powdery kind
- 1 bottle Italian dressing Bernstein's Restaurant Recipe
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Then, drain and rinse with cold water.
- Mix together all ingredients and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. We like to put it in a tupperware container with a tight lid and flip it upside down, then right side up a few times while it is chilling to distribute the dressing into the pasta better.
Notes
- Extra ingredients like sliced mushrooms, red onion, bell peppers, cooked sausage, pineapple, ham, or artichoke hearts can be added to enhance the salad.
- Seasonings such as Italian seasoning, fresh basil, garlic, and oregano complement the salad's flavors well.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 507 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 507kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 46mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 1163mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 293mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 460IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 3.3mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 230mg | 23% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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