Olive Garden Inspired Pasta Salad

$- 8 oz. tri-color pasta (fusilli or rotini) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced - 1/2 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste To make the Olive Garden Inspired Pasta Salad, start with fresh and colorful ingredients. The tri-color pasta brings a fun look and great texture. I like using fusilli or rotini because their shapes hold the dressing well. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while cucumbers give a fresh crunch. The red onion adds a little zing, and black olives bring a nice salty flavor. Don’t forget the mozzarella balls. They are creamy and delicious. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a rich taste that ties it all together. I love using Italian dressing for its bold flavors. Fresh basil adds a lovely touch of herbiness. Finally, season with salt and pepper to make each bite perfect. - Additional vegetables (bell pepper, zucchini) - Variations in cheese (feta, cheddar) - Different dressing options Feel free to customize your salad! You can add bell peppers or zucchini for more color and crunch. If you like different cheeses, feta or cheddar can work well too. You can even try different dressings like balsamic vinaigrette for a new twist. This makes the salad fun and personal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Once boiling, add 8 oz. of tri-color pasta. Cook it until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. While your pasta cools, chop the veggies. Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Dice 1 cup of cucumber for crunch. Thinly slice 1/2 cup of red onion for a bit of bite. Slice 1/2 cup of black olives for salty flavor. Fresh veggies make your salad lively and colorful. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta and chopped veggies. Add 1/2 cup of mozzarella balls for creaminess. Toss in the sliced olives, too. Drizzle 1/2 cup of Italian dressing over the mix. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Gently toss everything together until well-coated. Now it’s time to season. Add freshly chopped basil and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Toss the salad again to blend the flavors. For the best taste, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a delicious dish. To get the best taste from your pasta salad, chilling is key. After mixing the salad, let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and taste better. For dressing, I suggest making your own if you can. A simple mix of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs brings fresh flavor to your salad. When serving, use clear glass bowls. This allows the bright colors of the salad to shine through. It makes the dish look more inviting. You can also add a touch of elegance by garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. This makes the salad not just tasty, but also beautiful. Having the right tools can make mixing easier. I recommend using a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients. A pair of tongs can help toss the salad gently. For storage, airtight containers work best. They keep the salad fresh and ready for your next meal. Pro Tips Tip Title: Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor of your pasta salad. Opt for in-season produce for the best taste. Tip Title: Customize Your Dressing: If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own Italian dressing with olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices for a personal touch. Tip Title: Add Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked chicken, salami, or chickpeas to the salad for extra protein. Tip Title: Chill for Flavor: Letting your pasta salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. {{image_2}} You can easily customize the Olive Garden Inspired Pasta Salad to fit your taste. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, skip the meat and add more veggies. Try bell peppers, artichokes, or even spinach for a fresh twist. If you want extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or sliced salami. These options make the salad heartier and more filling. You can also change the flavor profile of your pasta salad. For a Mediterranean twist, add black olives and crumbled feta cheese. This combination gives the salad a rich and tangy taste. If you like spice, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. This will give your salad a nice kick and make it exciting. Using seasonal ingredients can enhance your salad's flavor. In summer, add fresh corn, zucchini, or diced bell peppers. These ingredients add color and crunch. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten the dish. Seasonal produce is not only tasty but also ensures your salad is fresh and vibrant. To keep your pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Place the container in the fridge right after serving. The salad stays fresh for about three to five days. If you notice any sogginess, give it a gentle toss with a bit more dressing. Can you freeze pasta salad? Yes, but it's not always the best idea. Freezing can change the texture of the vegetables and cheese. If you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the salad may expand. To defrost, place it in the fridge overnight. This keeps it cool and safe. If you want to eat your leftovers, the best way is to let them sit at room temperature for a short time. You can also use the microwave on low heat. Just be careful not to overheat it. This keeps the pasta salad crisp and tasty. If it seems dry, add a splash of dressing to refresh it. Olive Garden Inspired Pasta Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. The dressing may change the texture a bit, but the flavors will still be great. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours. Just prepare it a day before your event. You’ll save time and have a tasty dish ready to serve. You can use different types of pasta for this salad. Tri-color fusilli or rotini works best for holding the dressing. If you want another option, try penne or farfalle. They will also give a nice look and texture to the dish. This pasta salad recipe offers fresh ingredients, easy steps, and room for creativity. You learned how to cook the pasta, prepare the veggies, and add tasty dressings. Remember, chilling the salad helps meld flavors for a better taste. Don’t hesitate to customize it with seasonal produce or your favorite proteins. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious, refreshing dish anytime. Get creative and make it your own!$

Olive Garden Inspired Pasta Salad

A refreshing and colorful pasta salad inspired by Olive Garden, perfect for gatherings.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Salad

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz tri-color pasta (fusilli or rotini)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.5 cup black olives, sliced
0.5 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and slice the black olives.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, mozzarella balls, and sliced olives.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Gently toss everything together until well coated.
Season and Serve: Add freshly chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give the salad another gentle toss to incorporate all the flavors.
Chill: For best results, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Serve in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors. Garnish with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Keyword Italian salad, Olive Garden, pasta salad