Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium cucumber, diced; ½ cup red onion, finely chopped; 1 cup bell peppers (mixed red and yellow), chopped; ½ cup black olives, sliced; 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade); ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Published: May 12, 2025

by Victoria

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad Recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
The bright colors and fresh ingredients create an appetizing visual feast.
Its versatility allows you to customize it based on seasonal veggies or whatever you have left in the fridge.
Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or as a side dish for any gathering!

Ingredients for Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad Recipe

For more inspiration, check out this One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta recipe.

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

Rotini Pasta: About 12 ounces of rotini works great to hold all the dressing and flavors.
Cherry Tomatoes: Use about 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color.
Cucumber: One medium cucumber, diced for crunch—don’t skimp on this refreshing addition!
Red Onion: A half-cup finely chopped red onion adds zing—soak it in cold water if it’s too strong.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red and yellow bell peppers (about one cup) provides sweetness and vibrancy.
Black Olives: A half-cup of sliced black olives gives a briny depth; feel free to substitute with green olives if preferred.
Italian Dressing: Use about one cup of zesty Italian dressing—store-bought or homemade works wonders.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate around half a cup of fresh Parmesan cheese for that cheesy goodness—optional but highly recommended!

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

How to Make Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

While the pasta cools, chop all your colorful vegetables: dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the bell peppers, and finely slice the red onion.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with your chopped vegetables and sliced black olives. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese at this point!

Step 4: Dress It Up

Pour one cup of Italian dressing over your pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well-coated in that zesty goodness.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving—this allows all those fantastic flavors to mingle!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your beautiful salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle more Parmesan on top before serving. Watch everyone dig in!

This Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad Recipe will be your new go-to side dish that brightens any occasion. With its colorful presentation and delightful crunch, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—because who can resist such joy?

You Must Know

This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken, letting those flavors soak in while you cook your pasta. Once the pasta cooks, whip up that zesty dressing. garlic butter chicken bites Finally, toss everything together for an explosion of taste in each bite.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge. Add grilled chicken or roasted turkey for extra protein, or swap out the dressing with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a twist. balsamic caprese grilled steak.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat gently in the microwave or serve cold for a refreshing dish.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always salt your pasta water well; it elevates the flavors of the entire dish.
Let your chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor absorption.
Don’t be shy with fresh herbs; they add brightness and freshness!

Sometimes, I remember serving this salad at a family barbecue, and everyone kept coming back for seconds—my aunt even asked me for the recipe! It felt great to share something delicious that brought everyone together.

FAQs:

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

To prepare the Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad, you will need rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, green bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheese. For the dressing, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. protein packed chicken pasta salad You can also add grilled chicken or turkey for extra protein. This vibrant salad is perfect for gatherings or as a side dish to your favorite main course.

How long does the Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

The Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad can last up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep it chilled to maintain freshness. Before serving leftovers, give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors. If you notice any changes in smell or appearance, it’s best to discard it.

Can I customize the Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of this Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad is its versatility. You can easily swap out vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability. For added flavor, consider including artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste by adding more herbs or spices.

Is this Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad is an excellent option for meal prep. Its flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even tastier after a day in the fridge. Prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week and portion it into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners. Just remember to keep it refrigerated and consume it within three days.

Conclusion for Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad Recipe:

In summary, this Easy Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad Recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and flavors that everyone will love. With its customizable nature and ease of preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a meal prep option throughout the week, this pasta salad is sure to impress. Enjoy making this delicious dish that brings restaurant-quality taste right into your kitchen!

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📖 Recipe Card