Introduction
You get all the delicious flavors of your favorite pizza in a cool, easy-to-eat pasta salad. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, summer cookouts, or a quick family dinner that everyone will love.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 12 ounces tri-color spiral pasta
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (cut into ½-inch cubes)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 small green bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 ounces pitted black olives (drained (half of a 6 ounce can))
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes (halved)
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup Italian salad dressing
Instructions
- Cook the tri-color spiral pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cubed mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni, chopped green bell pepper, drained black olives, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Pour the Italian salad dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top and toss once more to combine.
- For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Variations
- Serve it Hot: Instead of chilling, toss the hot, drained pasta with the dressing and other ingredients for a warm, cheesy pasta bake.
- Double the Pizza Vibe: For extra pizza flavor, add ½ teaspoon dried oregano, basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes when tossing with the dressing.
- Individual Servings: Portion the finished salad into mason jars for a grab-and-go lunch.
- Different Dressing: Use a creamy Italian dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette instead of the regular Italian dressing for a slightly different flavor profile.
Tips for Success
- Rinsing the pasta thoroughly with cold water prevents it from sticking together and ensures your salad stays cool.
- For easier eating, you can cut the pepperoni slices into halves or quarters before adding them.
- Letting the salad rest in the fridge for a while before serving allows the pasta to absorb the dressing flavors fully.
- If making ahead, add the Parmesan cheese just before serving to maintain its texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish is meant to be served cold, so reheating is not recommended.
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle will work, but the spirals hold the dressing and ingredients well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
It is designed to be served cold, making it a perfect picnic or potluck dish.
What can I use if I don’t have tri-color pasta?
Regular spiral pasta works perfectly fine. The tri-color just adds visual appeal.
Can I add other pizza toppings?
The recipe is flexible, but the listed ingredients are designed to work perfectly together. The “Variations” section offers ideas for technique changes without adding new ingredients.
My salad seems dry after chilling. What should I do?
The pasta absorbs the dressing. Simply stir in an extra tablespoon or two of Italian dressing just before serving to refresh it.
