Olive Garden Pasta Salad is a delicious and vibrant dish that combines the tangy and creamy flavors of Italian dressing with fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or any occasion where a flavorful side dish is needed. Its combination of crunchy vegetables, savory olives, and tangy dressing makes it a crowd favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

• 1 cup cucumber (sliced)

• 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)

• 1/4 cup pepperoncini (sliced)

• 1/4 cup black olives (sliced)

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, or mozzarella for a creamier version)

• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional for a creamier version)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the rotini or bowtie pasta to al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, pepperoncini, and olives, and set them aside.

3. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, and olives. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to combine.

5. Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results). Before serving, toss again and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrients

• Calories: 300 kcal per serving

• Fat: ~20g

• Carbohydrates: ~30g

• Protein: ~7g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sugar: ~3g

The Pasta: The Foundation of the Salad

The pasta forms the foundation of the salad, providing a hearty and filling base. Rotini or bowtie pasta is typically used because of its ability to hold onto the dressing and vegetables, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. The pasta is cooked to al dente, ensuring it retains its firmness and doesn’t become mushy once mixed with the dressing and vegetables.

The pasta should be drained and rinsed with cold water to cool it down, preventing it from cooking further and helping it hold its texture when mixed with the other ingredients. The slight chill also makes the salad more refreshing, especially on warm days when a cool dish is most appreciated.

The Vegetables: Adding Freshness and Crunch

The vegetables in this salad add color, texture, and a burst of fresh flavors. Cherry tomatoes, sliced in half, bring a sweet and juicy pop to the salad. Cucumbers add a cool, crunchy element that balances out the richness of the dressing. Red onions provide a sharp, tangy bite that pairs well with the other ingredients, while the pepperoncini peppers add a delightful touch of heat and acidity.

Black olives contribute a savory, briny flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad, making it more robust and satisfying. These vegetables not only add freshness but also bring a variety of textures—crunchy, juicy, and tangy—that make the salad fun to eat.

The Dressing: Creamy, Tangy, and Full of Flavor

The dressing is the heart of this Olive Garden Pasta Salad, providing the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors. The combination of Italian dressing and mayonnaise creates a creamy, zesty base that clings to the pasta and vegetables, enhancing the dish with flavor and moisture.

Italian dressing, whether store-bought or homemade, is typically a blend of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. It gives the salad a tangy, herby taste that complements the freshness of the vegetables. If you prefer a creamier salad, adding mayonnaise helps smooth out the dressing, making it richer and more indulgent. The addition of Italian seasoning and garlic powder enhances the dressing with aromatic flavors, while salt and pepper balance out the tanginess.

Assembly: Easy to Make, Easy to Serve

Making Olive Garden Pasta Salad is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. After cooking and cooling the pasta, prepare the vegetables by slicing the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and pepperoncini. The olives should be sliced as well. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the vegetables and olives, then pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine. The dressing should coat all the ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Once combined, the salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For the best results, make the salad a day ahead of time, giving the dressing even more time to soak into the pasta and vegetables. Before serving, give the salad another toss and garnish it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herby note.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Olive Garden Pasta Salad is a versatile side dish that can be served at a variety of occasions. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, where it pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables. It’s also an excellent choice for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings, as it can be made ahead of time and served cold.

This pasta salad is also great for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults, thanks to its combination of familiar ingredients and crowd-pleasing flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a simple meal, Olive Garden Pasta Salad is a dependable and delicious side that will satisfy your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.

Nutritional Benefits

Olive Garden Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also provides some nutritional benefits. Each serving contains around 300 calories, making it a moderate-calorie side dish that won’t overwhelm your meal. The pasta offers a source of carbohydrates for energy, while the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise provides some healthy fats. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and cucumbers and potassium from the olives.

The salad’s fiber content—about 3g per serving—helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. It also contains around 7g of protein, which helps support muscle function and overall health. The dressing, while creamy and flavorful, is relatively light in terms of fat, making this pasta salad a satisfying yet balanced option for any meal.

Customizing Your Pasta Salad

One of the best things about Olive Garden Pasta Salad is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you’re looking for a creamier version, you can increase the amount of mayonnaise or use a full-fat dressing. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use a low-fat dressing or skip the mayonnaise altogether.

For additional flavor or texture, consider adding other ingredients, such as grilled chicken, bacon bits, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or feta, to give the salad a different twist. To make it more Mediterranean-inspired, add Kalamata olives or some crumbled feta cheese.

Conclusion: A Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish

Olive Garden Pasta Salad is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite at any gathering. Its combination of tangy Italian dressing, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a flavorful, satisfying side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a holiday dinner, or a casual family meal, this pasta salad is sure to please your guests and leave everyone asking for the recipe.

With its balance of textures and flavors, Olive Garden Pasta Salad is the ideal choice for anyone looking to add a light, fresh, and flavorful side dish to their menu. So, the next time you’re planning a meal or hosting a gathering, make sure to include this pasta salad—it’s sure to be a hit!