Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

Olive Garden Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the richness of creamy Italian dressing with the freshness of crisp vegetables and the heartiness of pasta. Inspired by the popular restaurant salad, this homemade version brings the same delightful taste to your table. It's a perfect side dish for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a light main course. The combination of rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, makes for a refreshing and satisfying salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound rotini pasta

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup black olives, sliced

• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 1½ cups Olive Garden Italian dressing

• Optional: ½ cup mozzarella cheese, cubed

Directions:

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

2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the black olives and pepperoncini peppers.

3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, and shredded Parmesan cheese. If using, add the cubed mozzarella cheese.

4. Add Dressing: Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning if necessary.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal

• Protein: 7 g

• Fat: 14 g

• Carbohydrates: 25 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 4 g

• Sodium: 400 mg