Pizza Pasta Salad
User Reviews
4.6
Pizza Pasta Salad
Description
In this Pizza Pasta Salad, rotini pasta is cooked and cooled then combined with quartered mini pepperoni, cubed provolone cheese, diced tomato and green bell pepper, sliced ripe olives, and green onions. The salad is dressed with a homemade Italian dressing made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. After tossing, the salad chills in the refrigerator, allowing the dressing to meld with the ingredients while maintaining a crisp texture from the fresh vegetables.
The grated Parmesan cheese is added just before serving to add a sharp, nutty note. This salad offers a cold, flavorful pasta option with familiar pizza toppings, making it easy to prepare ahead and serve at room temperature or chilled.
According to recipe notes, using store-bought Italian dressing can save time, and the leftovers can be warmed with marinara for an alternative use. This indicates versatility in serving the pasta either as a salad or a hot dish.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta cooked and drained
- 1 (5 ounce) pepperoni or whole pepperonis quartered, Hormel, mini size, package
- 4 ounces provolone cheese (or cheddar) cut into 1/4 cubes
- 1 tomato medium size, diced
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 (2.25 ounce) can ripe olives sliced
- 2 tablespoons green onion sliced
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
Dressing: (you can use 3/4 cup store bought Italian dressing as a shortcut)
- 1/3 /3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 /4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 /2 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
- 1/2 /2 teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in heavily salted water according to package directions. Drain and cool. Toss all of the salad ingredients except for the Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Prepare dressing by whisking all of the dressing ingredients in a bowl. Add the dressing to the pasta and toss to coat. Chill for 1-2 hours in the fridge. Stir well and top with grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is adapted from the Hormel pepperoni package, ensuring authentic flavor balance.
- Store-bought Italian dressing works well for a quicker preparation.
- Leftover pasta salad can be reheated with marinara sauce to transform it into a warm pasta dish, which may appeal to those who prefer hot meals.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
You'll Also Love
