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–+ servings
Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

Revive Summer Vibes with Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

A refreshing Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad perfect for summer gatherings, combining rotini pasta, fresh veggies, and creamy mozzarella.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz rotini pasta Substitute with penne or fusilli if desired.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Italian dressing Preferably Olive Garden Signature.
For the Vegetables
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper Diced; substitute with yellow bell pepper for variety.
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper Diced; may substitute with cucumbers.
  • 1/2 cup red onion Thinly sliced; can use green onions for milder flavor.
  • 1/2 cup carrot Grated; celery can be a texture substitute.
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes Halved; grape tomatoes work as an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup black olives Sliced; can use green olives instead.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese Cubed; swap with feta or omit for a dairy-free option.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast can be a vegan substitute.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning Blend dried herbs like basil and oregano as substitutes.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
For Garnish
  • Fresh parsley Chopped; alternatives include basil or chives.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 2: Combine Pasta and Dressing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta and Italian dressing. Stir gently to coat the pasta.
Step 3: Add Fresh Vegetables
  1. Fold in the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, grated carrot, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives. Toss gently.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese
  1. Add the cubed mozzarella cheese and fold it in gently to avoid breaking the cubes.
Step 5: Season the Salad
  1. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to mix well.
Step 6: Chill and Meld Flavors
  1. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
  1. Give the pasta salad a gentle toss before serving. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 9gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This pasta salad is versatile; feel free to swap ingredients based on your preference. For the best flavor development, allow it to chill longer before serving.

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