Pizza Pasta Salad

Ingredients

12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked and cooled

1½ cups pepperoni slices (halved if large)

1½ cups mozzarella cheese cubes

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup black olives, sliced

½ cup green bell pepper, diced

¼ cup red onion, finely diced

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dressing

¾ cup Italian dressing

¼ cup pizza sauce or marinara

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, pepperoni, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, bell pepper, and onion.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

4. Pour dressing over pasta and toss well.

5. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle with Parmesan just before serving.

Optional

Supreme style: add cooked sausage, mushrooms, and banana peppers

Creamy pizza pasta salad: mix ¼ cup mayo into the dressing

Veggie pizza style: add broccoli, cucumber, and spinach

Baked version: top with extra mozzarella and broil briefly before serving.