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Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad That Brightens Your Summer

This Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for summer, combining rotini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and olives in a zesty dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta & Dressing
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Penne or fusilli can be substituted.
  • 1 cup Italian Dressing Preferably Olive Garden Signature.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper Provides sweetness; cucumbers can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper Adds a hint of bitterness.
  • 1 Red Onion Soaking in cold water tones down pungency.
  • 1 cup Carrot Grated for crunch; can use grated zucchini.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved to keep juices contained.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Sliced; green olives can be used.
For the Cheeses
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Cubed; handle gently.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; use nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
For Flavoring
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Adjust based on preference.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add cooled rotini pasta and your choice of Italian dressing. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
  3. Add red and green bell peppers, red onion, grated carrot, and halved cherry tomatoes. Toss to evenly distribute the vegetables.
  4. Gently fold in sliced black olives and cubed mozzarella cheese, being careful not to break the cheese cubes.
  5. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Toss lightly to mix well.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  7. Before serving, give a gentle toss and garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 9gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill for at least an hour before serving for better flavor. Store cheese and dressing separately for leftovers.

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