Pizza Pasta Salad is an easy and tasty dish that mixes pasta with classic pizza flavors. It’s quick to make and perfect for meals or parties. You can add your favorite pizza toppings to make it just how you like.
Why We Love This Pizza Pasta Salad Recipe
This Pizza Pasta Salad hits all the right notes: it’s easy to make, quick to prepare, and flexible enough to fit your preferences. The magic lies in the Italian-style vinaigrette that coats every bite with vibrant flavors of garlic and oregano, lifting the whole dish. You get the familiar pizza taste, but in a cool, refreshing pasta salad form.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple meal, this salad is a winner. It’s perfect for summer days when you want something chilled but satisfying. Plus, it stores well in the fridge, making it a great choice for meal prep. You can toss in whatever toppings you love, making it endlessly adaptable and never boring.
Ingredients for Pizza Pasta Salad
- 1 pound uncooked pasta (farfalle works wonderfully)
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced
- 1 cup diced roma tomatoes
- 4 to 6 cups chopped pizza toppings of your choice (pepperoni, black olives, sliced red onions are great options)
- Garlic-Oregano Vinaigrette (recipe below)
- Optional toppings: freshly grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes
For the Garlic-Oregano Vinaigrette:
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white or red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced or pressed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
How to Make Pizza Pasta Salad Directions
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of generously salted water. Follow the package instructions to cook it until al dente — firm to the bite but not hard. When it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water. This cools it down and stops the cooking process so the pasta stays perfectly tender.
Next, combine the cooled pasta in a large bowl with diced mozzarella, fresh roma tomatoes, and your chosen pizza toppings. You can go traditional with pepperoni, olives, and onions or add whatever you love on your pizza.
Now it’s time to make the dressing. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined and fragrant. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss everything gently but thoroughly to make sure each piece is nicely coated.
Finally, finish your salad with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. You can serve it right away or refrigerate it for up to three days, allowing the flavors to deepen and mingle beautifully.
How to Serve Pizza Pasta Salad
This salad works well as a main dish or a side. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even a fresh green salad. If you want to serve it at a party, present it in a large bowl with extra toppings on the side so guests can customize their servings.
Because it’s served chilled or at room temperature, it’s an excellent choice for warm weather. You can pack it easily for lunches or picnics, and it keeps well in an airtight container. For a little extra freshness, garnish with fresh basil or parsley just before serving.
Expert Tips: Pizza Pasta Salad
To make the best Pizza Pasta Salad, always cook your pasta just right — overcooked pasta becomes mushy and can ruin the texture. Rinsing it with cold water is key to keeping it firm and cool for the salad.
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the toppings. Fresh mozzarella, ripe roma tomatoes, and crisp vegetables make a big difference in flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite pizza toppings — mushrooms, bell peppers, or even artichokes can be delicious.
The vinaigrette is crucial, so prepare it fresh each time. Whisk the ingredients well so the garlic and oregano flavors infuse the oil and vinegar fully. If you want a tangier dressing, add a little more vinegar gradually.
If preparing ahead, toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the pasta and toppings fresh and prevent sogginess. Keep any additional toppings separate until serving time for the best texture and taste.
How to Store Pizza Pasta Salad
Store your Pizza Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prepping.
Before serving leftovers, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing. If it seems dry, you can drizzle a bit more vinaigrette or olive oil to refresh it.
Avoid freezing this salad as the texture of the pasta and fresh toppings will suffer. Keeping it cold and covered in the fridge is the best way to maintain freshness.
Variation of Pizza Pasta Salad
Feel free to get creative with your Pizza Pasta Salad. Swap the farfalle pasta for rotini, penne, or even a gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.
Change up the cheese by trying provolone, cheddar, or a vegan cheese alternative if you prefer. For the toppings, you can add cooked sausage, grilled chicken, or even veggies like roasted peppers and zucchini for a unique twist.
The dressing can be altered too — mix in a bit of honey or Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy note. You might also try fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of dried oregano for a brighter flavor.
If you want a dairy-free or lighter version, simply omit the cheese and add extra veggies or beans for protein and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pizza Pasta Salad
What type of pasta is best for Pizza Pasta Salad?
You want a pasta shape that holds the dressing and toppings well. Farfalle, rotini, or penne are great choices because their shapes trap flavors and prevent the salad from feeling flat.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours or even the day before. Just keep the salad covered and refrigerated. For the freshest texture, add the dressing right before serving or keep it separate until mealtime.
How long does Pizza Pasta Salad last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it will keep for about three days. Beyond that, the pasta and toppings may start to lose their texture and freshness.
Can I use a different dressing?
Definitely. While the garlic-oregano vinaigrette is classic and flavorful, you can try Italian dressing, ranch, or balsamic vinaigrette based on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. Simply omit meat toppings like pepperoni and use vegetables and cheese instead. You can add plant-based proteins such as chickpeas or tofu for more substance.
Pizza Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked pasta (farfalle works wonderfully)
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (diced)
- 1 cup diced roma tomatoes
- 4 to 6 cups chopped pizza toppings (pepperoni, black olives, sliced red onions)
- Garlic-Oregano Vinaigrette (recipe below)
- Optional toppings (freshly grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes)
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white or red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic (peeled and minced or pressed)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced mozzarella, diced tomatoes, and chosen pizza toppings.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to three days.
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