The Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Recreating Olive Garden’s famous pasta salad at home is easier than you might think. This refreshing and flavorful dish is a perfect addition to any potluck, barbecue, or family dinner. By following this simple recipe, you can impress your friends and family with a delicious pasta salad that tastes just like the one from Olive Garden.

Ingredients

To make a mouthwatering Olive Garden pasta salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup Olive Garden signature Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, green bell pepper, red onion, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
3. Pour the Olive Garden signature Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
4. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

FAQ

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving. In fact, allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving enhances the flavor.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute ingredients to suit your taste. You can include ingredients such as diced salami, diced mozzarella cheese, or artichoke hearts to make it your own.

Can I use a different dressing?

While the Olive Garden signature Italian dressing is recommended for an authentic flavor, you can use any Italian dressing of your choice. Just ensure it’s a good-quality dressing for the best results.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This pasta salad recipe yields approximately 8 servings as a side dish. Adjust the quantities according to your needs.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this salad gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Ensure all other ingredients, including the dressing, are also gluten-free.

Creating a delicious Olive Garden pasta salad at home is simple and enjoyable. Whether it’s for a summer picnic, a potluck with friends, or a casual family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit!