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- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup pepperoni slices - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced (optional) - 1/3 cup Italian dressing - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnishing This pasta salad is colorful and fun. Kids love the bright colors and tasty bites. The rotini or penne pasta gives a good base. I like using rotini because it holds the dressing well. The cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst, while cucumbers bring a nice crunch. Red bell peppers add a pop of color and sweet flavor. The pepperoni and mozzarella cheese make it feel like pizza. Kids enjoy these flavors, and they are easy to eat. Black olives add a salty touch, and pepperoncini can add a little heat, if desired. The Italian dressing ties everything together. It gives a tangy flavor that kids find tasty. Olive oil adds a smooth finish and helps the salad stay fresh. Salt and pepper are simple but important for flavor. Lastly, fresh basil leaves not only look nice but taste great too. For the Full Recipe, check the instructions to see how to put it all together. 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key for flavor. 2. Add 8 oz of rotini or penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, so it has a nice bite. 3. Once done, drain the pasta. Rinse it under cold water to cool it down. 1. While the pasta cooks, wash and chop all your veggies. 2. In a big mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup pepperoni slices - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced (optional) 1. Once the pasta is cool, add it to the mixing bowl with the veggies. 2. Drizzle 1/3 cup of Italian dressing and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the mix. 3. Toss everything well. Make sure all the pasta and veggies are coated. 4. Taste the salad and add salt and pepper to your liking. 5. Finally, transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for that extra touch. This recipe is simple and quick. You can find the full recipe above for more details. Enjoy! - Use pre-chopped vegetables. This saves time and makes cooking easier. - Cook pasta ahead of time. This way, you can chill it before mixing. - Add Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a fresh taste. - Try using ranch or Caesar dressing for a fun twist. - Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for extra protein. - Serve in fun bowls or cups to make it more appealing for kids. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta for fun. Try bowtie or fusilli instead of rotini or penne. Each shape adds a unique twist. You can also add more veggies. For a crunch, use bell peppers or carrots. Want some greens? Toss in some spinach or kale. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great taste. For dairy-free alternatives, try vegan cheese or skip it altogether. You can still have a tasty salad without the cheese. Both swaps make this dish friendly for all diets. Want a taco twist? Use taco seasoning and add black beans. Top with avocado and tortilla strips for crunch. For a Mediterranean vibe, add artichokes and feta cheese. Toss in some chickpeas for extra protein. Both options keep it fun while tasting great! After making the supreme pizza pasta salad, you might have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, store the salad in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavors and keep the salad from getting soggy. You can safely refrigerate the salad for up to three days. You can serve this salad cold, which is great for quick meals. If you prefer it warm, reheat it gently. Use a microwave or a stovetop. Heat it on low and stir often. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy or dry. To make mealtime easy, you can prep this salad for the week. Cook the pasta and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, mix everything together and add the dressing. This gives you fresh and tasty portions. Aim for about one cup per serving. You can prepare the components in advance. Cook the pasta and cool it. Chop the veggies and store them in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate until serving. This way, the salad stays fresh. To store for optimal freshness, use an airtight container. Keep the pasta and veggies in the fridge. They can last for about three days. Add the dressing right before you serve it. This keeps everything crisp and tasty. Yes, you can use other dressings. A ranch dressing adds a creamy twist. A balsamic vinaigrette can give it a tangy flavor. When choosing a dressing, think about the flavors. If you want a zesty kick, try a lemon dressing. For a richer taste, a Caesar dressing works well too. Experiment to find what you and your kids enjoy! This salad pairs well with many meals. For a main dish, serve it with grilled chicken or fish. You can also enjoy it with meatballs for a hearty meal. For kid-friendly additions, consider garlic bread or veggie sticks. This makes a balanced meal that kids will love. You can also offer fruit on the side for a sweet touch. This pasta salad blends fresh veggies, tasty dressings, and fun ingredients. You can follow the steps to create a simple, yet colorful dish. Remember, you can mix in your favorites or adjust it for different diets. With a bit of planning, this salad becomes a meal prep success. Keep leftovers stored well to enjoy later. This dish shines at gatherings or as a tasty weeknight meal. Enjoy making it your own!

20-Minute Kid-Friendly Supreme Pizza Pasta Salad

Looking for a fun and delicious summer dish? Try this Pasta Party Supreme Pizza Salad that combines your favorite pizza flavors into a refreshing salad! With simple ingredients like rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese, it’s perfect for gatherings or a quick lunch. Get ready to impress your family and friends. Click through to explore this easy recipe and make your next meal a flavorful celebration!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini or penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup pepperoni slices

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced (optional)

1/3 cup Italian dressing

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnishing

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    Prep the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, pepperoni slices, mozzarella cubes, black olives, and pepperoncini (if using).

      Combine Pasta and Veggies: Once the pasta is cool, add it to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and pepperoni.

        Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing and olive oil over the pasta and veggie mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined.

          Season: Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.

            Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | 4 servings