This Olive Garden Pasta Salad brings together the perfect blend of creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and tender pasta, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing. The combination of Italian seasoning and fresh ingredients makes it a standout side for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving a light meal, this pasta salad is sure to impress. Its versatility allows for easy customization—add grilled chicken for extra protein or swap in your favorite veggies to suit your taste.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb rotini pasta (or bowtie)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cucumber, diced
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup black olives, sliced
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1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
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1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped (added just before serving)
Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and pepperoncini.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to coat evenly.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
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Just before serving, fold in the chopped iceberg lettuce to maintain its crunch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
Servings: 6–8 servings
Introduction to Olive Garden Pasta Salad
Olive Garden Pasta Salad is a well-loved dish inspired by the famous flavors of the beloved Italian-American restaurant chain. This pasta salad stands out for its rich, creamy texture, tangy Italian dressing, and an array of fresh vegetables that make each bite vibrant and satisfying. The recipe brings comfort and nostalgia while delivering a refreshing taste that fits perfectly into any season—especially summer.
Perfect as a side dish, main lunch option, or picnic addition, this salad is a must-have in your cooking rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances flavor, texture, and visual appeal. What sets it apart is the creamy, zesty combination of mayonnaise and Italian dressing that coats the pasta and veggies without overpowering their natural flavors.
A Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing Dish
One of the best things about this pasta salad is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re planning a family barbecue, a potluck with friends, or a casual weeknight dinner, this salad fits the occasion. You can easily customize it based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Don’t like black olives? Leave them out. Want to add a little protein? Toss in grilled chicken or cubed salami.
It’s also a great make-ahead option. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors get a chance to meld together. You can prepare it the night before an event and simply give it a gentle toss before serving. This ease of preparation, combined with a rich, satisfying flavor profile, makes it a go-to for busy home cooks.
Inspired by Olive Garden’s Signature Flavors
What makes this salad distinctly reminiscent of Olive Garden is its combination of classic Italian-American flavors. The salad dressing, which often mirrors Olive Garden’s signature Italian dressing, provides a tangy and herbaceous backbone to the dish. Paired with crisp vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, the dressing helps bring everything to life.
Mayonnaise, used optionally, adds creaminess that mimics some of Olive Garden’s more indulgent dishes. It rounds out the flavors and gives the pasta salad a more luxurious mouthfeel. When you mix in grated Parmesan cheese, the sharp and nutty undertones give the salad depth and a little kick of umami, tying it all together beautifully.
Ideal for Summer and Outdoor Gatherings
Few dishes scream “summer” quite like a well-made pasta salad. The Olive Garden Pasta Salad is perfect for hot-weather dining. It’s served chilled, making it especially refreshing during warmer months. The crisp veggies and cool pasta deliver a pleasant contrast to grilled meats or heavier side dishes that often accompany summer meals.
It’s also a picnic and potluck favorite. Not only does it hold up well over time, but it’s easy to transport and doesn’t require reheating. Since the lettuce is added at the very end before serving, it maintains its crunch and doesn’t wilt—ensuring your salad stays Instagram-worthy and delicious.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Considerations
While this dish is definitely on the indulgent side due to its creamy dressing, it can easily be modified to make it lighter and more nutritious. Use whole grain or chickpea pasta to add fiber and protein. Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative that still provides creaminess. Load up on extra veggies to increase the vitamin and mineral content.
Vegetarians can enjoy this salad without any changes, and it can be made gluten-free by using appropriate pasta. For those watching sodium levels, you can limit or skip the olives and Parmesan, and use a homemade dressing where you control the salt content.
Customizations and Additions
This recipe is just the beginning—you can customize it endlessly based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try these delicious twists:
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Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, bacon, or hard-boiled eggs.
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Cheese varieties: Mix in shredded mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
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Spicy twist: Add a touch of red chili flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
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Fresh herbs: Toss in basil, parsley, or dill to enhance the freshness.
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Pasta choices: Use tri-color rotini, penne, or even tortellini to switch things up.
With endless possibilities, you can make this pasta salad your own without sacrificing its classic appeal.
Why It’s a Family Favorite
Families love this dish because it’s easy to prepare, affordable, and adaptable to a range of palates. Kids enjoy the creamy dressing and pasta, while adults appreciate the balance of textures and flavors. It’s an excellent option for meal prepping lunches or as a quick dinner on busy nights.
Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get more veggies into your family’s diet. The combination of raw and crunchy vegetables adds nutrition without feeling like a “healthy” meal, which is especially helpful when feeding picky eaters.
Storage Tips and Leftovers
To store the Olive Garden Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The flavors improve with time, but make sure to stir before serving, as the dressing can settle at the bottom. If you plan to store it for multiple days, consider adding lettuce only when ready to serve to avoid wilting.
If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, just drizzle a little extra Italian dressing or a splash of olive oil to revive its creamy texture. Avoid freezing this dish, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables will degrade.
Conclusion
The Olive Garden Pasta Salad is the ultimate combination of simplicity, flavor, and flexibility. It brings together the comforting taste of creamy pasta with the freshness of seasonal vegetables, all dressed in a tangy Italian-style dressing that ties it together perfectly. Whether you’re replicating a beloved restaurant dish or just looking for a quick and satisfying side, this pasta salad delivers every time.
From summer BBQs to weekday lunches, its adaptability makes it a kitchen staple that never goes out of style. Even better, it’s easy to personalize, kid-approved, and ready in under 30 minutes. For any home cook, beginner or seasoned, this salad is a must-try and a guaranteed hit at the table.