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–+ servings

Olive Garden Inspired Italian Pasta Salad

Bring the beloved flavors of Olive Garden to your home kitchen with this refreshing Italian pasta salad. Featuring al dente rotini pasta tossed with crisp vegetables, savory cheese, and a tangy Italian dressing reminiscent of your favorite restaurant's famous salad.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 289
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16 ounce package uncooked rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium cucumber diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers sliced
  • 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup Italian dressing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
  3. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, black olives, red onion, and pepperoncini peppers to the pasta.
  5. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then add the Italian seasoning.
  6. Gently toss all ingredients until well combined and evenly coated with dressing.
  7. Add the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then toss again lightly.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to allow the flavors to blend together.
  10. Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 764mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7g
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