If you’ve ever found yourself craving a big bowl of crisp, refreshing greens topped with tangy dressing and pasta perfection, the Olive Garden Pasta Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This dish takes everything we love about the Italian-American classic, bold flavors, fresh vegetables, and that irresistible signature dressing, and turns it into a hearty, refreshing salad that’s perfect for just about any occasion.
I first tried an Olive Garden-inspired pasta salad at a family reunion years ago, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. There was something magical about the combination of rotini pasta, crunchy veggies, black olives, parmesan, and that unmistakable Olive Garden Italian dressing. It was like the salad bar got a glow-up, and I knew I had to recreate it at home.
This pasta salad fits just about anywhere, whether you’re prepping for a quick weeknight dinner, making a dish to share at your next BBQ, or meal-prepping lunch for the week. It’s crowd-pleasing, bright, and easy to whip up with minimal fuss. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t love an excuse to pour that tangy Olive Garden dressing on something besides a bowl of lettuce?
In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make this copycat Olive Garden Pasta Salad recipe, offer plenty of tips and customization ideas, and help you turn this restaurant favorite into a homemade staple..
Table of contents
Why this Olive Garden Pasta Salad Recipe Works
This Olive Garden Pasta Salad Recipe isn’t just a bland bowl of noodles with a splash of dressing—oh no, it’s so much more. It combines classic Italian-inspired flavors with textures that make every bite interesting and satisfying.
First, the tri-color rotini provides a fun visual element while also holding onto the dressing better than smooth pasta shapes. The pasta soaks in just the right amount of the tangy, garlicky Olive Garden Italian dressing, which gives the dish its signature punch.
Then, we toss in a mix of crunchy veggies: red onions for bite, grape tomatoes for sweetness, black olives for that salty depth, and crisp bell peppers for a vibrant crunch. You can even add banana peppers for a little zing if you like it spicy. The grated parmesan cheese and a generous crack of black pepper bring it all together in true Olive Garden style.
One of the best parts? This recipe is incredibly customizable. You can:
- Make it vegetarian or vegan by omitting the cheese and choosing a vegan Italian dressing.
- Add grilled chicken, salami, or even chickpeas to up the protein and turn it into a meal.
- Swap the pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to match dietary needs.
Recipe Card
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.
- Toss Again Before Serving: The pasta might absorb some of the dressing while chilling, so keep a little extra dressing on hand and toss everything again just before serving. This keeps it vibrant and flavorful.
- Serve Cold: Make sure the salad is well-chilled for a refreshing taste.
Variants of Olive Garden Paste Salad Recipe
1. Grilled Chicken Olive Garden Pasta Salad
Turn your side dish into a full meal by adding grilled chicken. I like to season mine with Italian herbs and lemon juice for a bright flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing. Slice it thinly and lay it over the chilled salad, or toss it in for a more casual look. This version is perfect for lunches or a lighter dinner option.
2. Vegetarian Delight
For a meatless option that’s anything but boring, load up the salad with grilled zucchini, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and extra olives. The Italian dressing brings all the veggies to life, and you get a hearty, nutrient-packed meal that still tastes like summer.
3. Low-Carb or Keto Version
Missing pasta but still craving that Olive Garden flavor? Swap the rotini with spiralized zucchini (zoodles), hearts of palm pasta, or even chopped cauliflower. The crunch is satisfying, and the dressing keeps everything flavorful. Bonus: it’s gluten-free and light on carbs.
4. Cheese Lover’s Dream
Amp up the indulgence by adding small cubes of mozzarella, provolone, or mini bocconcini balls. A sprinkle of shredded parmesan also takes the richness up a notch. This version feels like a party in every bite, cheesy, creamy, and ultra-satisfying.
FAQ about Olive Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
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.
Definitely! Just skip the cheese or use your favorite plant-based substitute. Many brands now offer vegan Italian dressing, or you can whip one up at home using olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and dried herbs.
Final Thoughts
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!
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