Olive Garden Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could bring the signature zest and heartiness from your favorite restaurant into your own kitchen, get ready for this recipe! This colorful Olive Garden Pasta Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, packed with vibrant rotini, savory pepperonis, crisp bacon bits, juicy tomatoes, tangy black olives, a blanket of shredded cheese, and that unmistakable bold flavor: Olive Garden Italian Dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, easy weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave the fresh, familiar taste of an Olive Garden classic—without even leaving home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Olive Garden Pasta Salad is how each straightforward ingredient pulls its weight—nothing fancy, but together they create salad magic. Grab these simple staples and you’ll be amazed at how extraordinary the combination tastes.

• Rotini Pasta: These fun, spiraled noodles hold onto dressing and bits of toppings in every bite!
• Pepperonis: Chopped minis lend salty, meaty richness with a little pop of spice.
• Bacon Bits: Add smoky depth and irresistible crunch without extra effort.
• Sliced Black Olives: They bring briny, savory goodness and a Mediterranean touch.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Offer fresh juiciness and a sweet contrast to the salty ingredients.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts slightly into the salad for creamy pockets of flavor—use mozzarella, cheddar, or an Italian blend.
• Olive Garden Italian Dressing: The star ingredient—zesty, herbaceous, and instantly recognizable, it ties everything together.

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Rotini

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—you want a little firmness so it won’t get mushy later. After draining, rinse the pasta with cool water to stop the cooking and bring it to room temperature. This cooling step is key for a salad that’s refreshingly chilled, not steamy!

Step 2: Prep the Toppings

While your pasta is cooling, chop up the pepperonis and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. This step is quick and really makes a difference—chopped pepperoni spreads its robust flavor into every forkful, and diced tomatoes add bursts of freshness throughout the salad.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Grab your biggest salad bowl and pour in your cooled, drained rotini. Next, toss in the chopped pepperonis, chopped tomatoes, black olives, bacon bits, and as much shredded cheese as your heart desires. Give everything a gentle mix so all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This is where the layers of flavor really start to shine!

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Now it’s time for the star of the show: Olive Garden Italian Dressing! Pour the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients, then toss gently but thoroughly, making sure everything gets a glossy coating. The herby, zesty dressing soaks in beautifully and brings all those flavors together. If you like extra dressing, feel free to add more before serving.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling melds the flavors and gives the pasta salad that classic cool, refreshing finish. Once ready, just give it a light toss and you’re ready to wow your guests or enjoy the Olive Garden Pasta Salad yourself!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Salad

Garnishes

The possibilities for garnishing your Olive Garden Pasta Salad are endless. A sprinkling of extra cheese, a scatter of fresh basil, or even a handful of chopped parsley can add an inviting color and vibrant freshness. For a little tang, try a twist of black pepper or a few red pepper flakes right before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad plays well with others! Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, classic garlic breadsticks, or even a light garden salad for a truly restaurant-style meal at home. Its balanced flavors make it a versatile side at barbecues, picnics, or hearty family dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive by portioning Olive Garden Pasta Salad into small mason jars or fancy glasses for a portable party appetizer. You can even pile it onto a bed of crisp romaine lettuce for an extra pop of color and crunch. For summer gatherings, try serving it in a large, colorful bowl or on a platter surrounded by more fresh veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer any extra Olive Garden Pasta Salad to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about 3–4 days, and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to mingle.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze pasta salad, I honestly don’t recommend it for this recipe. The fresh veggies can become watery and the cheese grainy once thawed, leading to a loss of that delicious, crisp texture that makes an Olive Garden Pasta Salad so irresistible.

Reheating

This salad is made to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed! If it’s been in the fridge for a while, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving. If you like a fresher taste, toss in a handful of extra vegetables or a splash more dressing to perk it back up.

FAQs

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just make the salad up to a day beforehand, cover tightly, and give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative: diced bell peppers, red onions, cucumbers, or even blanched broccoli work wonderfully. The beauty of Olive Garden Pasta Salad is how easily you can adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand.

What type of cheese is best?

Shredded mozzarella is classic, but any Italian cheese blend works great. If you love a little sharpness, try a bit of Parmesan or provolone mixed in for extra depth.

Can I use a different dressing?

Of course! While Olive Garden Italian Dressing brings that signature flavor, you can swap in another zesty Italian or even a homemade vinaigrette. Just make sure it’s bold and tangy to stand up to the hearty ingredients.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It isn’t gluten-free as written, but you can easily substitute your favorite gluten-free rotini pasta for a delicious and allergy-friendly version of Olive Garden Pasta Salad. Just check that your dressings and toppings are certified gluten-free as well!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, delicious, and utterly comforting dish to add to your rotation, Olive Garden Pasta Salad has you covered. Give it a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how well it satisfies every palate at the table. Let this become your new go-to for gatherings, lunches, or whenever you’re craving that restaurant flair at home!

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