Go Back

Olive Garden Pasta Salad

A refreshing and colorful pasta salad that combines fresh veggies, cheese, and a tangy dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight side.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 1 pound rotini or your favorite short pasta Cook in salted boiling water.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Adds freshness and color.
  • 1 cup cucumber, sliced Provides a crunch.
  • 1 small red onion, diced Use in moderation for milder flavor.
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced For briny flavor.
Cheese and Protein
  • 1 cup mozzarella, cubed or mozzarella balls Brings creaminess to the salad.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Additional richness.
  • 1 cup sliced salami or diced cooked chicken Optional for protein.
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing Choose a good quality.
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar For acidity.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Adds brightness.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Herbal flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder For flavor enhancement.
  • 1 pinch salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Add if dressing is low on oil.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Chill the pasta in the fridge.
  3. Chop the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, dice the red onion, and chop the bell pepper.
  4. Slice the black olives and cube or tear the mozzarella.
Make Dressing and Combine
  1. In a bowl, mix Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk in olive oil if necessary.
  2. In a large bowl, combine chilled pasta, chopped veggies, cheese, and protein.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything well.
  4. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
Serving
  1. Toss salad again before serving and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Start with al dente pasta, rinse with cold water, and chill before mixing. Adjust dressing ingredients to taste. For meal prep, hold back some dressing to add before serving if needed.