There’s something utterly delightful about combining two of our favorite comfort foods—pizza and pasta—into one vibrant, flavor-packed dish. This Pizza Pasta Salad takes a classic pizza spin and transforms it into a light, refreshing bowl that’s bursting with color and zest. Every bite delivers the familiar chew of rotini pasta dancing alongside savory slices of pepperoni, cubes of creamy mozzarella, and pops of juicy cherry tomatoes. The Italian dressing ties it all together, giving you that signature tang and herb-infused kiss that makes you want to dive in, spoon first. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, cooking time of 10 minutes, and a one-hour chill to let flavors meld, this easy recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks alike. At around 350 calories per serving, it’s an ideal lunch, dinner, or appetizer option that won’t weigh you down.
From the very first forkful, you’ll appreciate how accessible this recipe truly is. No special techniques or fancy tools—just pantry staples and fresh produce coming together in perfect harmony. As a steadfast beginner-level recipe, you can confidently bring this dish to parties, picnics, or weeknight meals with zero fuss. The vibrant greens from the bell pepper and olives contrast beautifully with the red onion’s bite and the red-and-white palette of tomatoes and cheese. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile: add mushrooms, swap in artichokes, or sneak in some cooked sausage if you like. Whether you’re craving a light main course or a show-stopping side, this Pizza Pasta Salad has got you covered, and it’s bound to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Before diving into the steps, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this salad shine. Each component brings its own unique texture, flavor, and visual appeal, creating a medley that feels like a summer breeze on your palate.
The spiral shape of rotini is perfect for holding onto every bit of dressing and seasoning, ensuring each forkful is packed with flavor and delivering a satisfying bite.
These savory, slightly spicy rounds add a meaty depth and authentic pizza feel, elevating the salad from simple to sensational.
Creamy and mild, diced mozzarella provides that beloved cheesy stretch in every mouthful, balancing the spices from the meat and veggies.
Juicy and sweet, halved cherry tomatoes offer bursts of freshness and a pop of vibrant color that lightens up the dish.
Briny and tender, sliced black olives introduce a subtle saltiness and rich flavor that complements the smoother ingredients.
Crisp and slightly sweet, diced green bell pepper brings a crunchy texture and a fresh, green bite to the salad.
Finely chopped for just the right amount of bite, red onion adds a sharp, tangy note that cuts through the richness of cheese and meat.
A zesty blend of herbs and vinegar, Italian dressing ties all the ingredients together with bright acidity and aromatic notes.
This classic herb adds an earthy, Mediterranean flair that echoes the seasonings used on traditional pizza.
Simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors, allowing you to adjust the taste to your personal preference.
Bringing together this Pizza Pasta Salad is as easy as following a few simple, satisfying steps. With minimal hands-on time and a short chill to let the flavors meld, you’ll have a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish ready in no time.
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
2. Combine the ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini, sliced pepperoni, diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Use a large spoon to gently mix them together.
3. Add the dressing
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Using a pair of salad tongs or two large spoons, toss everything thoroughly to ensure each ingredient is well coated in the tangy dressing.
4. Season with oregano and spices
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix again to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the salad.
5. Chill and meld
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or secure it with a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour so that the flavors can meld together and the salad becomes nicely chilled.
6. Final toss and taste
Before serving, remove the salad from the fridge and give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more oregano or a dash more pepper takes it over the top.
7. Serve cold
Dish out the salad onto plates or into a serving bowl, keeping it nice and refreshingly cool. Enjoy your Pizza Pasta Salad as a light main course or a standout side dish!
When it comes to serving this Pizza Pasta Salad, the possibilities are delightfully endless. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue, packing lunches for work, or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, presentation and pairing can elevate the experience. Serving cold helps maintain the crispness of the veggies and the firm texture of the pasta, so take your time to set up a colorful spread. Brighten up your tabletop with contrasting bowls and utensils—think rustic wood against a crisp white platter. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle on extra herbs or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving; these small touches can make your salad look and taste even more irresistible. With the right setup, even a beginner cook can create a dish that looks professionally plated, perfect for impressing friends or family. And remember, this salad shines both as an appetizer to kick off a feast or as a satisfying solo meal.
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to introduce a burst of color and a touch of herbal brightness.
Serve alongside warm slices of garlic bread or toasted baguette for a satisfying contrast of textures and an extra dose of savory flavor.
For an on-the-go meal, layer the salad in mason jars—dressing at the bottom, hearty ingredients in the middle, and delicate veggies and cheese on top—so it stays fresh until you’re ready to eat.
Offer the salad in a large bowl alongside other finger foods like bruschetta, antipasto skewers, and chilled sliders for a party-friendly buffet that looks as good as it tastes.
Proper storage is key to keeping your Pizza Pasta Salad tasting its best, especially if you plan to enjoy leftovers over a couple of days. Temperature control, airtight containment, and careful handling will ensure your salad retains its crisp textures and vibrant flavors without becoming soggy. Always transfer any uneaten portions to a clean, airtight container shortly after serving. If you’re storing the salad with dressing already mixed in, consider placing a paper towel on top to absorb excess moisture and prevent the veggies from getting waterlogged. Keep it on a middle shelf in your refrigerator where the temperature is most consistent, and aim to consume it within 2–3 days for optimal freshness. When reheating isn’t desired, you can give the salad a quick toss and add a fresh drizzle of dressing just before serving again. By following these tips, you’ll enjoy every last bite just as much as the first.
Transfer the salad to a clean, sealable container immediately after serving to protect it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Lay a clean paper towel over the top of the salad before sealing—this absorbs excess moisture, helping to keep veggies crisp.
Store on a middle shelf where temperatures hover around 37–40°F (3–4°C) to preserve freshness without risk of freezing.
Give the salad a quick toss and add a small splash of Italian dressing or olive oil right before eating to revive flavors and textures.
Bringing together the heartiness of rotini pasta, the savory kick of pepperoni, and the fresh crunch of colorful vegetables, this Pizza Pasta Salad truly delivers a party in every bite. With a beginner-friendly difficulty level, a total time investment of under 90 minutes (including the one-hour chill), and approximately 350 calories per serving, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion—be it a summer potluck, a simple family dinner, or a lunch-on-the-go. We’ve walked through each step in detail, from selecting top-notch ingredients and mixing them with zesty Italian dressing, to chilling the salad for maximum flavor harmony and presenting it in style. Be sure to print this article and save it for future reference; it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again. You can also find a FAQ below to help troubleshoot any questions or tweaks you might want to explore.
If you give this Pizza Pasta Salad a try, I’d love to hear about your experience! Feel free to leave your comments, questions, or feedback—whether you experimented with extra toppings, swapped in whole wheat pasta, or found a new favorite twist. Did you serve it alongside garlic bread or pack it into mason jars for lunch? Let me know how it went and what creative touches you added. Your input not only helps me improve, but also inspires fellow home cooks to embrace this easy, flavorful recipe. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more delicious, shareable meals in your kitchen!
This Pizza Pasta Salad combines rotini pasta with pepperoni, mozzarella, and fresh veggies, tossed in zesty Italian dressing for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Hi! I’m Annie Delgado, the home cook, storyteller, and flavor-lover behind CookingWithAnnie.com. Raised in a big Latin-American family where food was how we celebrated, connected, and showed love, I learned early on that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.