Looking for a quick picnic salad or potluck dish for your upcoming summer party? Try this easy pizza pasta salad recipe that’s perfect to feed a crowd at a large gathering or to serve as a simple side for your family cookout this summer.
This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.
Love printables? Sign up here to access my free resource library that has meal planning printables such as shopping lists and favorite meal worksheets.
With the 4th of July just a few days away, I have been busy planning our holiday menu with all our favorite side dishes and desserts. But, the one pasta salad recipe that my family requests the most is this Pizza Pasta Salad as it combines all those delicious pizza flavors like pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, and juicy cherry tomatoes.
This delicious cold summer salad is not only quick to prepare but can be made ahead of time making it perfect for any warm-weather gathering. Whether you are planning a large Fourth of July party, summer picnic or need a potluck dish for your family reunion or neighborhood block party, this easy pizza pasta salad is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Why You Will Love This Pizza Pasta Salad
- Quick to throw together with only a few simple ingredients that you may already have on hand.
- Easy to make ahead, just prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance saving you time. Plus, it allows the flavors to blend, making the salad even more delicious.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd and sharing at BBQs, picnics, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.
- Easy to transport, making it ideal to serve at any festivity this summer.
- Pairs well with your favorite BBQ foods like grilled chicken, hot dogs, burgers, and even cold sandwiches.
Looking for more easy side dish recipes for summer?
- 39 Summer Potato Side Dish Recipes
- 32 Summer BBQ Side Dish Recipes
- 36 Summer Potluck Recipes to Feed a Crowd
- 12 Best Summer Salad Recipes
Easy Pizza Pasta Salad
Ingredients for Pizza Pasta Salad
This easy to make Pizza Pasta Salad is perfect for weeknight family dinners this summer, a make-ahead potluck dish or 4th of July food idea. It’s made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes for a crowd-pleasing side dish everyone will love.
You will need:
- penne pasta
- cherry tomatoes
- pepperoni
- mozzarella cheese
- Italian dressing
- Parmesan cheese
How to Make Easy Pizza Pasta Salad
- Start by boiling your penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine your cooked, cold pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.
- Pour your favorite Italian dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and stir until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend together.
- Stir again before serving and add some more Italian dressing (if desired), and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Make sure to rinse your pasta with cold water so it stops the cooking process and cools it quickly.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes but longer if you can to allow all the flavors to combine. However, keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the dressing so you may need to add more before serving.
Variations
- Try a veggie pizza pasta salad and add in some chopped bell peppers, black olives, red onions, and cucumbers.
- You can also add in extra diced ham or salami along with the pepperoni.
- Mix up the cheese. We love it with Colby-jack and cheddar as well.
- If you would prefer a creamy version instead, add in about ½ cup of mayonnaise.
Storage
- Store your leftover pizza pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You may need to add more Italian dressing as the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing as it sits.
Find More Easy Summer Recipes:
- 50 Refreshing Summer Drinks and Mocktails
- 45 Quick No-Fuss Summer Dinner Recipes
- 38 No-Bake Summer Dessert Recipes
- 43 Best Picnic Desserts
Easy Pizza Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese cubed
- 6 ounces pepperoni slices quartered
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian dressing more to taste
Instructions
- Start by boiling your penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine your cooked, cold pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.
- Pour your favorite Italian dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and stir until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend together.
- Stir again before serving and add some more Italian dressing (if desired), and enjoy!
Notes
Helpful Tips
- Make sure to rinse your pasta with cold water so it stops the cooking process and cools it quickly.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes but longer if you can to allow all the flavors to combine. However, keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the dressing so you may need to add more before serving.
Variations
- Try a veggie pizza pasta salad and add in some chopped bell peppers, black olives, red onions, and cucumbers.
- You can also add in extra diced ham or salami along with the pepperoni.
- Mix up the cheese. We love it with Colby-jack and cheddar as well.
- If you would prefer a creamy version instead, add in about ½ cup of mayonnaise.
Storage
- Store your leftover pizza pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You may need to add more Italian dressing as the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing as it sits.
Don’t forget to sign up for my Free Resource Library to grab my meal planning printables. You will also get access to lots more printables all completely free for you to print out and enjoy!
Follow me on Pinterest for more recipes and meal planning inspiration
