Olive Garden Pasta Salad
This Olive Garden Pasta Salad brings all the flavors of the famous restaurant salad into a hearty and satisfying pasta dish. Tender pasta is tossed with crisp vegetables, olives, pepperoncini peppers, and a zesty Italian dressing, creating a refreshing salad that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, meal prep, or easy lunches.The best part is that it comes together quickly and tastes even better after chilling, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Salad, Side Dish, Lunch
Ingredients
For the Salad
12 oz rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup black olives, sliced
¼ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Dressing
½ cup Italian dressing
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
Grilled chicken
Salami
Mozzarella pearls
Chickpeas
Croutons
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta cools, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, and pepperoncini peppers.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine:
Cooked pasta
Tomatoes
Cucumber
Bell pepper
Red onion
Olives
Pepperoncini peppers
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and toss gently.
For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes & Tips
Recipe Notes
Rotini pasta holds the dressing exceptionally well.
Chilling the salad helps the flavors develop.
Add extra dressing before serving if the pasta absorbs too much.
Expert Tips
Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming soft.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Add grilled chicken to turn this into a complete meal.
Reserve a little dressing to refresh leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better after a few hours in the refrigerator.
How long does it last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What pasta works best?
Rotini, fusilli, bow ties, or penne all work well.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply leave out any meat additions and enjoy as is.
What can I serve with Olive Garden Pasta Salad?
It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 520mg
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Pasta Salad is fresh, colorful, and full of bold Italian flavors. The combination of tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, tangy pepperoncini peppers, and zesty dressing makes it a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy enough for everyday meals and impressive enough for gatherings. It’s a simple dish you’ll find yourself making all year long.