Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad (Family Favorite!)

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Do you love pizza? I know I do! And do you love pasta salad? It’s so good, right? Well, I’ve got such a great treat for you today.

I’m so, so excited to share my amazing pepperoni pizza pasta salad. It’s a really big hit at my house. My family asks for it all the time.

I make it lots, especially for quick dinners or fun parties. It’s just so easy to put together. And guess what? It tastes just like your fave pizza!

Let’s make some yummy food together today, okay? I promise it’ll be a new favorite for you, too!

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad?

It tastes just like a real pepperoni pizza, but in a salad.
This salad is super quick and so very easy for you to make.
It is great for parties, fun picnics, or a fast weeknight meal.
Kids and grown-ups all love this yummy pasta salad dish so much.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rotini pasta: I love these fun curly shapes; they hold dressing so very well.
Pepperoni: Get the small kind, or you can chop up bigger slices if you want.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh little cheese balls or cubes taste mild and so, so good here.
Cherry tomatoes: These sweet little red gems add a fresh burst of yummy, juicy flavor.
Black olives: Sliced ones are easy and add that classic salty, briny pizza taste.
Red onion: Just a little bit adds a nice, sharp zing and pretty color too.
Italian dressing: Use your fave store kind, or make a simple one with oil and spices.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top makes it look pretty and adds a fresh taste.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot: You need this to boil lots of water for your yummy pasta.
Colander: This helps you drain all the hot water from the cooked pasta safely.
Large mixing bowl: A big bowl is best to toss all your salad parts well.
Sharp knife: You’ll need this for chopping any veggies or the big pepperoni slices.
Cutting board: This keeps your counter safe and clean when you are chopping things.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad?

Making this pepperoni pizza pasta salad is so, so easy, I promise you! First, you cook your pasta until it’s just right. Then, you just mix it all up with the yummy pizza stuff and the tasty dressing.

Step 1: Cook your pasta. Boil water in your big pot. Add the rotini. Cook the pasta just like the box says, so it’s al dente.

Step 2: Drain and cool pasta. Once it’s done, pour the pasta into your colander. Rinse with cold water. This stops it from cooking more and cools it.

Step 3: Prep your mix-ins. While pasta cooks, chop your pepperoni (if big), tomatoes, and red onion. Get your cheese and olives ready in a bowl.

Step 4: Mix it all up. Put the cool pasta in your big bowl. Add the pepperoni, cheese, tomatoes, olives, and onion. Gently stir everything together now.

Step 5: Add dressing and chill. Pour your fave Italian dressing all over. Toss it well so it’s all coated. Chill in the fridge for a bit if you can.

Tips for the Best Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad

Rinse pasta well with cold water; this stops it from getting all sticky.
Use mini pepperoni if you can find it; it saves you chopping time.
Let the salad chill for 30 minutes; this helps all the flavors mix well.
Don’t add too much dressing at first; you can always add a bit more.
Taste and add a little salt or pepper if you think it needs some.

Variations and Substitutions

Try different pasta shapes like penne or shells; they work great too.
Add other pizza toppings like green peppers, mushrooms, or even cooked sausage crumbles.
Use provolone or cheddar cheese cubes if you do not have any mozzarella.
Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes in your yummy dressing.
For a creamy touch, mix in a little mayo with the Italian dressing part.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make this salad a day ahead; flavors get even better sometimes.
Store leftovers in the fridge in a tight container; it keeps things fresh.
It tastes good for about 3-4 days when you store it right.
If it seems dry later, add a tiny bit more dressing before you serve.
Keep it cold if you take it to a party or on a picnic.

Serving Ideas

Serve as a main dish, it’s hearty enough for a light lunch or a super-easy dinner for you.
As a yummy side dish, it goes great with grilled chicken, burgers, or even some nice sandwiches.
For potlucks and parties, this salad is always a big crowd-pleaser and so easy to share.
Pack for lunch, it is a perfect cold lunch to take to work or for school lunch boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, you sure can! Try cooked ham, salami, or even leftover cooked chicken. It will taste great!

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook it just like the package says to do for you.

No problem at all! Just leave them out, or add more of another veggie you like instead.

Oh, for sure! Things like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even corn would be really yummy additions here.