Pizza Pasta Salad with Pepperoni and Mozzarella
Chilled rotini salad inspired by pizza flavors, combining pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, fresh vegetables, and olives tossed in a red wine vinegar and garlic dressing. Fresh basil and Italian seasoning deliver classic pizza notes. Make ahead for potlucks or light dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz rotini pasta
- 3 oz pepperoni slices, halved or quarteredsalami1:1Full guide →
- 1 8 oz mozzarella pearlsfresh mozzarella balls1:1
4
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 1 whole green bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup jarred banana pepper rings
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 whole garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil, sliced
- 2 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions.
- 2
Drain pasta and set aside in a large bowl to cool completely.
- 3
Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until combined.
- 4
Add cooled pasta to the large bowl.
- 5
Add pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, banana pepper rings, black olives, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese.
- 6
Toss all ingredients with dressing until well coated.
- 7
Cover and chill for at least an hour before serving.
- 8
Stir and serve chilled.
Tips
For best flavor, allow salad to chill at least one hour so flavors meld.
Stir before serving as dressing settles at the bottom.
Halve pepperoni pieces to distribute throughout the salad evenly.
Good to Know
Covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
Prepare fully through chilling step up to one day ahead. Stir before serving.
Serve chilled, straight from refrigerator.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip cooling the pasta fully before adding dressing to avoid it becoming mushy or dressing breaking down.
Do not skip the one-hour chill time to avoid underdeveloped flavors.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
4