Name: Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad That Will Wow Your Guests
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Or penne/fusilli as alternatives.); 1 cup Italian Dressing (Olive Garden Signature preferred.); 1 Red Bell Pepper (Diced.); 1 Green Bell Pepper (Diced.); 1/2 Red Onion (Thinly sliced.); 1 Carrot (Grated.); 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Halved.); 1/2 cup Black Olives (Sliced.); 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (Cubed.); 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated.); 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; to taste Salt; to taste Pepper; 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped for garnish.)

As the sun starts to shine brighter, the call for vibrant, fresh meals becomes impossible to ignore. Enter my Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad—an easy recipe that bursts with the spirit of summer! Featuring perfectly cooked rotini, crisp bell peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish is a celebration of color and flavor that’s incredibly simple to prepare. Not only does it serve as a delightful side dish for gatherings or barbecues, but it also shines as a quick weekday meal, ideal for anyone looking to step away from fast food. With the perfect zesty Italian dressing holding it all together, every bite is a splash of happiness that transports you straight to an Italian trattoria. Curious about how you can make this dish your own with easy variations? Let’s dive in!

Why Try This Pasta Salad Recipe?

Vibrant Colors: The combination of fresh bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella make this dish a feast for the eyes.

Effortless Prep: With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delightful salad ready in no time.

Endless Variations: Customize it by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or swapping veggies to match your taste—like trying the refreshing Mediterranean Chickpea Salad!

Perfect for Any Occasion: This pasta salad shines as a side for summer barbecues or as a light and satisfying main dish during lunch.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The zesty Italian dressing ensures it’s a hit at any gathering, leaving guests coming back for more!

Healthy and Fresh: Packed with nutritious ingredients, this recipe allows you to enjoy delicious bites guilt-free.

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad Ingredients

• For anyone craving a refreshing dish!

For the Pasta
• Rotini Pasta – The perfect base for holding the zesty dressing; penne or fusilli can be great alternatives.

For the Dressing
• Italian Dressing – Essential for flavor; Olive Garden Signature brings out the best, but homemade works too!

For the Veggies
• Red Bell Pepper – Adds a sweet crunch; can substitute with yellow or orange for a twist.
• Green Bell Pepper – Brings crunch and balances sweetness with slight bitterness.
• Red Onion – Provides a sharp bite; slicing thinly helps to mellow the flavor.
• Carrot – Sweetness and crunch add to the texture; grated for even distribution.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Adds fresh acidity; halved to enhance juiciness.

For the Sides
• Black Olives – Complements flavors with a briny touch that ties everything together.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Offers creaminess; cube it to maintain perfect texture.
• Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkles umami magic; use grated for seamless mixing.

For Seasoning
• Italian Seasoning – Infuses the salad with aromatic flavors that elevate every bite.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for bringing all the flavors together; season to taste.
• Fresh Parsley – A colorful garnish that adds a touch of freshness.

This Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad not only stands out in flavor but also allows for easy modifications to suit your taste!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, creating the perfect base for the Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad.

Step 2: Combine the Base
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini pasta along with the Italian dressing and grated Parmesan cheese. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing and cheese. This step is crucial as it sets the flavor foundation for your salad, so make sure each piece of pasta is deliciously dressed.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Next, incorporate the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, grated carrot, halved cherry tomatoes, and black olives into the pasta mixture. Use a gentle tossing motion to ensure that all the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the salad, enhancing the colorful appearance and adding a crunchy texture that balances beautifully with the pasta.

Step 4: Fold In the Cheese
Now, it’s time to add the creamy mozzarella cheese. Take the cubed mozzarella and fold it into the salad carefully, being mindful not to crush the cheese. This step enhances the richness of the Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad and adds a delightful creaminess that complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them.

Step 5: Season the Salad
Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over your pasta salad to taste. Toss the mixture lightly to incorporate the spices, ensuring every bite is seasoned just right. Seasoning at this stage allows the flavors to combine, creating a vibrant and well-rounded taste profile that makes this salad truly pop.

Step 6: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is essential as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a more cohesive and delicious Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad. If time permits, chilling for longer will make the salad even better.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle toss to redistribute the ingredients. Transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of color and freshness. This makes your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad a stunning centerpiece, inviting your guests to dive into a flavorful and vibrant dish.

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad Variations

Customize your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad with these delightful twists that will invigorate your dining experience!

Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying boost of protein, making it a heartier meal. It’s an effortless switch that transforms the salad into a filling main dish.
Crispy Cucumber: Substitute diced cucumbers for bell peppers for a refreshing crunch. The cool, crisp texture complements the other ingredients beautifully, making each bite a delightful surprise.
Greens Galore: Throw in fresh spinach or arugula for added nutrition. Mixing in greens introduces a vibrant color and enhances the salad’s freshness, perfect for summer days.
Herb Infusion: Swap in fresh basil or oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a garden-fresh flavor. This fragrant twist captures the essence of Italian cuisine beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. A little spice brings a lively dimension that will tantalize your taste buds!
Nutty Crunch: Include toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for an interesting texture contrast. The nutty flavor adds a delightful surprise that pairs wonderfully with creamy cheese.
Tangy Twist: Incorporate sliced olives or capers for a zesty bite. This addition enhances the brininess, making each forkful more dynamic.
Flavorful Feta: Use crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangy alternative. The creamy feta complements the dish while adding a Mediterranean flair that’s irresistible.

For more delicious recipes, check out this tasty Taco Pasta Bake, or experience the refreshing taste of Cheesecake Fruit Salad. Each of these variations brings a unique twist, making your cooking adventures even more exciting!

Make Ahead Options

Preparing the Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad in advance is a fantastic way to save time, especially on busy weeknights! You can cook the rotini pasta and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The dressing can also be whisked together beforehand and stored separately to keep the salad crisp. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the prepped ingredients, fold in the mozzarella, and let it chill for about an hour. This way, you ensure that your salad remains just as delicious and vibrant!

Storage Tips for Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

Fridge: Store in an airtight container; this pasta salad lasts up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, consider keeping the cheese separate if you plan on storing it longer.

Freezer: While not recommended for this particular salad due to the texture changes in the vegetables, you can freeze the pasta without the fresh ingredients for up to 2 months.

Reheating: If serving chilled, no reheating is needed. Just give the salad a good toss before serving to blend the flavors again.

Serving Freshness: For the best taste experience, enjoy the Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad within a day or two—it’s so delicious, it won’t last long!

Expert Tips for Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

Rinse Pasta Well: Rinsing with cold water not only cools the pasta but also prevents it from becoming sticky, ensuring each piece remains separate and flavorful in your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad.
Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for at least one hour gives time for the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
Add Ingredients Last: To maintain the freshness and texture, add delicate ingredients like mozzarella just before serving. This prevents them from getting soggy or losing their charm.
Season Gradually: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste after combining all the ingredients. It’s easier to adjust seasoning than to fix over-salting.
Experiment with Veggies: Don’t be afraid to swap out vegetables based on your preferences! Try cucumbers or artichokes for a different crunch if bell peppers aren’t your thing.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

Elevate your meal with delightful pairings that complement every vibrant bite of your refreshing pasta salad.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy, smoky chicken brings heartiness and protein, turning your pasta salad into a satisfying main dish.
Crusty Garlic Bread: The perfect crunchy counterpart, garlic bread soaks up the zesty Italian dressing, adding a buttery richness to your plate.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil echo the flavors of your pasta salad, offering a refreshing and visually stunning side.
Roasted Veggies: Vibrant, caramelized seasonal vegetables provide a sweet, earthy balance that complements the zesty notes of your dish.
Fruit Salad: A sweet, refreshing side, a mix of seasonal fruits enhances the taste experience and provides a light contrast to the savory pasta salad.
Lemonade or Iced Tea: Bright, citrusy lemonade or refreshing iced tea pairs wonderfully, cleansing the palate with each sip and enhancing the meal’s overall brightness.

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad Recipe FAQs

What kind of pasta should I use?
Absolutely, rotini pasta is the star of this salad since its shape holds the dressing beautifully. However, penne or fusilli are also excellent options if you’re looking to mix things up.

How long can I store the pasta salad in the fridge?
This delightful Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, I recommend storing any cheese separately if you plan to keep leftovers for longer than a day.

Can I freeze the pasta salad?
While I don’t advise freezing the salad with its fresh vegetables, you can freeze the pasta alone. To do this, cook the rotini as per the recipe, allow it to cool completely, and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before incorporating fresh ingredients.

What should I do if my pasta salad is too dry?
If your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad seems a bit dry, don’t fret! Simply stir in a splash of extra Italian dressing or a bit of olive oil to enhance the flavor and moisture. This will bring back that delightful, zesty taste that makes the salad shine.

Are there any allergy considerations?
Yes, this recipe contains gluten from the pasta, dairy in the cheeses, and olives, which can cause allergies in some individuals. Always consider substitutes, like gluten-free pasta options, or leaving out cheese for a dairy-free version. It’s all about making it work for your dietary needs!

Can I add different proteins or vegetables to the salad?
Very much so! Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to boost the protein. You can also swap in vegetables like cucumbers or artichokes based on your preferences. The more, the merrier! Enjoy experimenting!