Pizza Pasta Salad Recipe

This pizza pasta salad is easy to assemble and customize, just like a 🍕! It’s perfect for a quick dinner or easy school lunch the kids will love.

I sometimes overcomplicate things when trying to come up with new ways to add variety to our meals and as it turns out, the simplest ideas and recipes are often the most loved by the kids, and this pasta salad proves it!

While trying to find a non-sandwich lunch idea for my kids, I decided to toss some leftover pasta and steamed broccoli with my kid’s favorite pizza toppings. I packed it into their lunch containers and told them they had pizza pasta for lunch. 

When the containers came back empty, I knew this recipe was a keeper and one to share with you. 

Pizza Pasta Salad for Lunch or Dinner

This pasta salad makes a great option you can prep ahead for a simple weeknight dinner or lunch. Most pasta salads will stay good for up to 3 days, and you can customize this recipe with any of your family’s favorite pizza toppings and cooked pasta. 

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or if you need a grain-free option, try spiraled zucchini noodles. Just make sure to sauté or steam the noodles before tossing them with the rest of the ingredients. 

When I plan out my meals for the week, I like to select lunches and dinners that can be fully or partially made ahead, this cuts down time spent in the kitchen during the week, and I can still have fresh meals in the lunch bag or on the dinner table. 

You’ll find more recipes you can enjoy for dinner and pack for lunch in the Meal Prep’d eBook. It’s filled with over 70+ options for delicious meals made with real and fresh ingredients. Each recipe also comes with instructions on how to pack it in a lunch container and keep it fresh for the office or school. 

Pizza Pasta Salad Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this easy pizza pasta salad: 

• pasta, any shape
• Mozzarella cheese
• broccoli florets
• pepperoni
• sliced black olives
• cherry tomatoes
• Italian dressing
• salt & pepper

Just like a pizza, you can add or subtract toppings to make this pasta salad all your own. Swap the pepperoni for chopped deli meat or prosciutto, replace the broccoli for diced bell pepper, and use any of your favorite cheese, like Provolone, Gouda, Cheddar, or Parmesan.

The store-bought dressing makes it ultra-convenient, but don’t be shy, toss it with my Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette or keep it simple with a drizzle of olive oil and Italian seasoning. 

How to Make Pizza Pasta Salad

Grab those ingredients, a large bowl, and let’s make this pasta salad. Here’s what to do: 

1. Cook the pasta
   Cook pasta according to box directions, drain, rinse, and cool. 
2. Toss it all together
   Toss the pasta into a bowl with cheese, broccoli, pepperoni, olives, and tomatoes. 
3. Add the dressing
   Drizzle the salad with the dressing and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Watch how this simple recipe comes together in the video below: 

Packing Pizza Pasta Salad for Lunch

Once the pasta salad is ready, pack it in a lunch container and place it in a lunch bag with an ice pack. Pasta salad is best when served chilled or at room temperature.

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