Craving for a dish that combines the best of both worlds – pizza and pasta? Look no further than this delightful and easy-to-make Pizza Pasta Salad. It’s a colorful and flavorful twist on traditional pasta salads that will surely become a family favorite. Packed with all the classic pizza toppings, this recipe is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into creating this delectable dish that is sure to impress!
**Pizza Pasta Salad**
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup sliced black olives
– 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
– 1/2 cup diced mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
**For the Dressing:**
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes, black olives, bell peppers, red onion, pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil to the bowl with the pasta.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pizza pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if desired.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy this delicious fusion of pizza and pasta in a salad form!
The beauty of this Pizza Pasta Salad is its versatility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, cooked sausage, or even pineapple. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients from pizza night and turn them into a fresh and vibrant meal. This salad is also perfect for meal prep – just make a big batch and portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week.
With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, this Pizza Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that will satisfy your pizza and pasta cravings in a healthier and refreshing way. So, next time you’re looking for a fun and tasty twist on classic pasta salad, give this recipe a try and watch it become a new household favorite. Happy cooking!
