Transform your favorite pizza flavors into a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish with this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Pizza Salad! Packed with tender penne pasta, zesty pepperoni, melty shredded mozzarella, and crisp veggies like cherry tomatoes, black olives, and green bell pepper, this salad delivers the perfect blend of textures and bold Italian-inspired flavors. Tossed in a tangy Italian dressing enriched with grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a hint of black pepper, itβs a vibrant, no-fuss recipe thatβs ready in just 25 minutes. Serve it cold or at room temperature, and donβt forget the optional garnish of fresh basil for an extra pop of freshness. Perfect for potlucks, lunch, or a fun side dish, this pasta salad is the ultimate fusion of pizza night and summer salad!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pepperoni slices, shredded mozzarella cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, and chopped red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian salad dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and toppings in the mixing bowl. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the dressing coats the ingredients evenly.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Calories |
3665 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 207.3 g | 266% | |
| Saturated Fat | 72.3 g | 362% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 18.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 406 mg | 135% | |
| Sodium | 9422 mg | 410% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 308.9 g | 112% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.4 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.4 g | ||
| Protein | 142.9 g | 286% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1314 mg | 101% | |
| Iron | 22.1 mg | 123% | |
| Potassium | 2435 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.