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Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad: A Fresh Summer Favorite

This Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta or penne/fusilli if preferred
For the Vegetable Medley
  • 1 red bell pepper substitute with yellow or orange pepper
  • 1 green bell pepper omit if not preferred
  • 1 red onion can use sweet onion for milder taste
  • 1 carrot grated for easy incorporation
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes as an alternative
  • 1/2 cup black olives substitute with green olives if desired
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed to maintain texture
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese can use Pecorino Romano for stronger flavor
For the Dressing and Seasoning
  • 1 cup Italian dressing preferably Olive Garden’s signature variety
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning adjust according to preference
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • spoon
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Combine Dressing and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with your choice of Italian dressing and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
  3. Add the Vegetables: Fold in the diced red and green bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, grated carrot, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives. Gently mix until well incorporated.
  4. Incorporate the Cheese: Carefully add the cubed mozzarella cheese to the pasta salad, mixing just enough to blend the cheese with the ingredients without crushing it.
  5. Season the Salad: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently to incorporate these seasonings throughout the salad.
  6. Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  7. Final Toss and Garnish: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Rinse pasta well to prevent mushiness. Chill longer for vibrant flavors. Add cheese gently to maintain texture.

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