If you’re a fan of easy salad recipes, this Olive Garden Pasta Salad recipe will quickly become a favorite. With its mix of crisp veggies, tender pasta, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s an easy salad dressing that brings everything together. This dish is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or just as a quick dinner. Inspired by the classic flavors of Olive Garden, this salad is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleaser that bursts with fresh flavors.
Olive Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes15
minutes320
kcalThis Olive Garden-inspired pasta salad combines fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, potluck, or as a side dish for dinner.
Ingredients
- For the Salad
3 cups cooked rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Dressing
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- Mix the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, olives, onion, carrots, and cucumber.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Add cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top, then gently mix everything together.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Chill before serving for best results.
Notes
- Use multicolored rotini pasta for a visually appealing dish.
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Substitute ingredients based on your preferences, like bell peppers or avocado.
Tips for a Fresh Olive Garden Pasta Salad Recipe:
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared a day in advance. It tastes even better after the flavors have melded together overnight.
- Customize the Dressing: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar.
- Keep it Fresh: Mix the dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp and flavorful.
- Serve Cold: Make sure the salad is well-chilled for a refreshing taste.
FAQ
Rotini or penne pasta are great choices because their ridges hold onto the dressing and flavors well. However, you can use any short pasta shape like farfalle or fusilli.
You can add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, bell peppers, cucumbers, or pepperoncini for extra crunch and flavor. Adding grilled chicken, salami, or mozzarella cubes can turn it into a heartier dish. Adjust the dressing and seasoning to suit your taste.
This Olive Garden Pasta Salad recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients to your taste and still achieve a delicious dish. The zesty dressing, made with simple pantry staples, ties everything together and brings out the freshness of the vegetables. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a quick lunch, or bringing it to a potluck, this salad stands out with its bright colors and balanced flavors.
Easy to make, refreshing, and satisfying, this recipe brings comfort and joy to every meal. The best part is that it can be prepared in advance, making it a go-to choice for busy days or last-minute gatherings. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, delightful, and easy salad recipe, this pasta salad won’t disappoint. Try it, and you’ll see why it’s become a beloved favorite for so many.
If you want other fresh salad alternative, try the Cauliflower Broccoli Salad Recipe!
Leave a Reply