Print

Print Recipe

A fresh, zesty pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, Italian dressing, crunchy bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and creamy mozzarella cheese, capturing the flavor of Olive Garden’s pasta salad.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup Italian dressing, preferably Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup carrot, grated
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool, then set aside.
  2. Place cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl and toss with Italian dressing and grated Parmesan until coated.
  3. Add diced red and green bell peppers, thinly sliced red onion, grated carrot, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives; gently toss to combine.
  4. Fold in cubed mozzarella cheese carefully.
  5. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper; give a gentle toss to distribute.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
  7. Toss the salad again and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

For added protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a main course., Try different pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle., Cheese alternatives include provolone, sharp cheddar, or feta., Additional vegetables such as cucumber, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added., Use Kalamata or green olives for different flavors and save olive brine for a flavor boost., Make it creamy by adding mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or sour cream., For a vegan version, omit cheese and use vegan substitutes and dressing., Garnish with fresh herbs like basil and add nuts or seeds for extra texture., Store leftovers in airtight glass containers, keeping cheese separate if storing longer than a day., Do not freeze the salad to prevent sogginess., Serve chilled or at cool room temperature for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerygood.com/olive-garden-copycat-pasta-salad/