Irresistible Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the zesty, savory flavors of a pasta salad that dances on your taste buds. Imagine biting into tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a refreshing dressing that ties it all together—this Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day.

Picture this: you’re sitting at home after a long day, dreaming of delicious food that requires minimal effort. Suddenly, the memory of that delightful pasta salad from Olive Garden pops into your head. You can practically taste it! Fear not; I’m here to share my version that promises all the flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients for Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rotini Pasta: About 12 ounces is perfect for this dish—its spirals hold onto the dressing beautifully.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Use about 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color.
• Cucumber: One medium cucumber, diced, adds refreshing crunch to balance the creaminess.
• Red Onion: A quarter cup of finely chopped red onion will give your salad a zingy kick.
• Bell Peppers: Use one each of red and yellow bell peppers for sweetness and color contrast.
• Italian Dressing: About one cup will bring everything together with its herby goodness—store-bought or homemade works!

For the Garnish:

• Parmesan Cheese (optional): Sprinkle some freshly grated cheese on top if desired—just don’t go overboard!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

this recipe

How to Make Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Step 2: Chop the Veggies

While the pasta cools, grab your knife (carefully!) and chop up those cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all your chopped veggies. Toss them together like you’re trying out for a cooking competition!

Step 4: Dress It Up

Pour in about one cup of Italian dressing over your colorful mixture. Mix well until everything is coated evenly—this is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Chill

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving so those flavors can mingle and party together.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

When you’re ready to dig in, give it another quick toss and sprinkle with optional Parmesan cheese before serving. Transfer to plates or bowls and watch everyone swoon!

This Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad will have folks asking for seconds—if they dare! So next time you’re longing for that familiar taste but want to skip the restaurant trip, make this salad instead!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing your sauce. This sequence ensures that everything comes together at the same time, maximizing flavor and reducing chaos in the kitchen.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences! Try adding roasted vegetables for extra crunch or toss in some feta cheese for a tangy twist. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, simply warm it gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Some friends once raved about my Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad at a picnic, saying it was the highlight of their day. Their smiling faces made all my efforts worthwhile!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad?

To create the Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad, you will need rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced bell peppers, red onion, fresh parsley, and mozzarella cheese. For the dressing, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This combination brings out vibrant flavors that mimic the beloved restaurant version while eliminating pork and alcohol.

How long does it take to make Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad?

Making the Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad is a quick process. From boiling the pasta to mixing all the ingredients together, you can complete this recipe in about 30 minutes. However, for best flavor results, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This enhances the taste by allowing the dressing to soak into the pasta and vegetables.

Can I customize Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! The Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad is highly customizable. Feel free to add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein. You can also incorporate different vegetables like spinach or zucchini based on your preference. If you want it spicier, adding sliced jalapeños works beautifully. Tailor it to suit your tastes while keeping it aligned with the original flavors.

How should I store leftover Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad?

To store leftover Easy Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Before serving again, give it a good stir as the dressing may settle. If desired, add a splash of olive oil or vinegar to refresh its taste.

Conclusion for Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad:

The Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that captures restaurant flavors without using pork or alcohol. With simple ingredients like rotini pasta and fresh vegetables dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, it’s perfect for any gathering or meal prep. Customize it with proteins or extra veggies to suit your taste preferences. Remember to chill before serving for maximum flavor! Enjoy this easy recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Savor the vibrant flavors of this Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad, a delightful dish that combines al dente rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for light lunches or as a side dish at gatherings, this salad is quick to prepare and visually appealing. With its colorful ingredients and delicious taste, it is sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 each red and yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup Italian dressing
• Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all chopped veggies. Toss well.
4. Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to let flavors meld.
6. Before serving, give it another toss and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 430mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: - Feel free to customize by adding cooked chicken or turkey for added protein or including other veggies like spinach or zucchini. - For extra flavor, consider marinating the veggies in a bit of dressing for 15 minutes before mixing them with the pasta.