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Olive Garden Pasta Salad

Olive Garden Pasta Salad


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  • Author: Jam Scott
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Olive Garden Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful easy recipe packed with tender pasta, crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, red onion, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan in a zesty Italian-style dressing. It is perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, healthy snack-style meal prep, potluck side dish, and one of those simple food ideas you will want for lunch ideas, dinner ideas, and easy pasta salad recipes all year long.


Ingredients

12 ounces rotini pasta

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup sliced black olives

1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini

1/2 cup croutons

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon sugar


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let it cool completely.

2. In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar until smooth.

3. In a large serving bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and pepperoncini.

4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

5. Add the Parmesan cheese and parsley, then toss lightly again.

6. Top with croutons just before serving so they stay crisp.

7. Chill for 10 to 15 minutes if desired, then serve cold.

Notes

Keep the croutons separate until serving if making this ahead.

Rinse the pasta well after cooking so the salad stays cool and fresh.

Add grilled chicken or salami if you want to turn it into a fuller meal.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boil and Toss
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 14mg