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Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight

Enjoy a vibrant Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad perfect for summer picnics, featuring rotini, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta substitute with any pasta shape like penne
Dressing
  • 1 cup Italian Dressing preferably Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
Veggies
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper can be exchanged for orange or yellow bell pepper
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper substitute with cucumbers for a milder flavor
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion use green onions if a milder flavor is desired
  • 1 medium Carrot grated zucchini can be a fresh alternative
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes substitute with diced regular tomatoes if needed
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives green olives can be used for a different taste
Cheese
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese cubed for texture, or replace with feta cheese for a tangy twist
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated for easy mixing; can omit for a dairy-free option
Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme
  • to taste Salt & Pepper use a finishing salt like Maldon for added texture
Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley adds freshness and a pop of color as a garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to cool.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, Italian dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated.
  3. Add the diced red and green bell peppers, sliced red onion, grated carrot, halved cherry tomatoes, and black olives into the bowl. Gently toss to ensure even distribution.
  4. Carefully fold in the cubed mozzarella cheese into your salad, ensuring it integrates well without breaking apart.
  5. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the salad, followed by salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss again to blend in the flavors.
  6. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and chill for at least 1 hour.
  7. Just before serving, toss the salad lightly to refresh the ingredients and distribute any settled dressing. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Letting the salad chill for at least 1 hour enhances the flavors. Adjust salt and pepper after chilling for optimal taste.

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