If you’re a fan of both pizza and pasta salad, why not combine the best of both worlds with this delicious Pizza Delight Pasta Salad recipe! This innovative dish takes the flavors of a cheesy pizza and transforms them into a refreshing and satisfying pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home.
**Pizza Delight Pasta Salad**
**Ingredients:**
– 8 ounces rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
– 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/4 cup diced red onion
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup Italian dressing
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, mini pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, diced red onion, mozzarella cheese cubes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until well combined. The dressing will add a zesty flavor reminiscent of a classic pizza sauce.
4. Sprinkle the dried oregano over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything another gentle toss to distribute the seasonings evenly.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This pasta salad actually tastes even better when prepared ahead of time, as the ingredients have a chance to marinate and intensify their flavors.
6. Before serving, give the salad a final stir to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Enjoy this Pizza Delight Pasta Salad as a satisfying meal on its own or as a delicious side dish to complement your favorite grilled meats or sandwiches. It’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe that will surely become a go-to dish for any occasion. The combination of pizza flavors in a refreshing pasta salad is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
