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Pizza Pasta Salad

Delicious Pizza Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Summer Dish

This Pizza Pasta Salad combines pizza and pasta for a refreshing summer dish, featuring pepperoni, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes. Perfect for gatherings!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 24 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Rotini pasta Substitute with fusilli or penne if preferred.
  • 6 oz Sliced pepperoni Can replace with salami or omit for a vegetarian version.
  • 8 oz Diced mozzarella cheese Swap with provolone or omit for a lower-calorie option.
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved; substitute with diced bell pepper for additional crunch.
  • 1/2 cup Sliced black olives Green olives or capers can serve as alternatives.
  • 1 cup Diced green bell pepper Use red or yellow bell peppers for sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup Finely chopped red onion Can replace with green onions for a milder taste.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing Create a homemade alternative using olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano Fresh herbs can be used for a more vibrant taste.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold water.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini, making sure it's well-drained. Toss in the sliced pepperoni, diced mozzarella cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced green bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Mix everything together, ensuring each ingredient is well-distributed.
  3. Pour the Italian dressing over the mixed ingredients. Toss the salad until all components are evenly coated. This will bring the vibrant colors and textures to life.
  4. Sprinkle the dried oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste, over the salad mixture. Gently fold everything together again, ensuring the seasonings are well incorporated.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least 1 hour for the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Before serving, remove the salad from the fridge and give it a final toss. Taste a small portion to check if any additional seasoning is needed.
  7. Spoon the chilled Pizza Pasta Salad into serving bowls. This dish can be enjoyed as a light main course, a potluck favorite, or a fun side for barbecues.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent a mushy texture and add dressing just before serving for best results.

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