Olive Garden Pasta Salad – Creamy, Tangy & Fresh

This Olive Garden Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, combining creamy, tangy Italian dressing with crunchy vegetables and flavorful pasta. The rotini or bowtie pasta holds the dressing beautifully, while fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives offer a satisfying crunch and burst of freshness in each bite. With its zesty seasoning and creamy texture, this salad makes for the perfect side dish at any gathering. It's also versatile enough to be enjoyed as a light meal on its own. You can easily customize this salad by adding proteins like grilled chicken or bacon bits, or switching up the veggies to match your preferences. Best served chilled, this dish is perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, or just a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
  
  

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  
  

• 1 cup cucumber, sliced
  
  

• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  
  

• 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
  
  

• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
  
  

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (or mozzarella for a creamier texture)
  
  

• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  
  

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional, for creamier texture)
  
  

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  
  

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  
  

• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
  

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  
  

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
   
   

2. While the pasta is cooking, chop the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, red onion, pepperoncini, and black olives.
   
   

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   
   

4. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss gently to coat with the dressing.
   
   

5. Add the prepared vegetables and grated Parmesan cheese (or mozzarella), and toss again until well combined.
   
   

6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, let it chill overnight.
   
   

7. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 300 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 33g
  
  

• Protein: 7g
  
  

• Fat: 16g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 3g
  
  

• Fiber: 3g
  
  

• Sugars: 4g
  
  

• Sodium: 550mg