Olive Garden Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the tastes of a classic Italian restaurant right to your home. Packed with fresh vegetables, zesty dressing, and tender pasta, this salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a side dish for dinner. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for a fuss-free meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces rotini pasta (or your preferred pasta)
  
  

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  
  

• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  
  

• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  
  

• 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
  
  

• 1/4 cup cucumber, chopped
  
  

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
  
  

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
  

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  
  

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
  
  

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  
  

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  
  

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
  

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  
  

• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
  

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
   
   

2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   While the pasta is cooling, slice the cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers. Chop the cucumber and set everything aside.
   
   

3. Make the Dressing:
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
   
   

4. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
   
   

5. Chill and Serve:
   Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx., serves 6):

• Calories: 310 kcal
  
  

• Total Fat: 23 g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 6 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 25 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 500 mg
  
  

• Total Carbohydrates: 23 g
  
  

• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
  
  

• Sugars: 4 g
  
  

• Protein: 8 g