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Olive Garden Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 134 reviews

Olive Garden Pasta Salad is a fresh, creamy, and tangy dish combining rotini pasta with a colorful mix of vegetables, black and green olives, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing with mayonnaise and red wine vinegar. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a light meal, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that please a wide variety of palates.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb rotini pasta

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then rinse it with cold water to cool it quickly and prevent overcooking.
  2. Combine Vegetables and Pasta: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, sliced green olives, and diced bell pepper.
  3. Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and red wine vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavor as needed.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly cold.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the pasta to ensure it remains firm and holds up well with the dressing.
  • Rinsing pasta with cold water after cooking helps maintain texture and promotes better dressing adhesion.
  • Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor melding and refreshes the dish.
  • Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley for extra aroma and taste.
  • Customize the vegetables by adding or substituting with shredded carrots, spinach, or broccoli.
  • You can make this salad gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or dairy-free by omitting cheese or using vegan alternatives.
  • Use quality Italian dressing or make your own for best flavor.

Keywords: Olive Garden pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer pasta salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, pasta salad with olives and cheese

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/olive-garden-pasta-salad-recipe/