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Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad

This Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad is the ultimate side dish, offering a vibrant and flavorful experience that mimics your favorite restaurant without leaving your kitchen. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a delicious lunch option, proving that incredible taste can be achieved with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 cup chopped pepperoni
  • 1 cup chopped salami
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped black olives
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, meaning it has a slight bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together. Set aside to cool completely.
    1 pound rotini pasta
  2. While the pasta is cooking or cooling, chop the pepperoni and salami into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can dice them further. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pepperoni and salami. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the same bowl.
    1 cup chopped pepperoni, 1 cup chopped salami, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  3. Finely chop the black olives, red onion, and green bell pepper. Ensure the vegetables are cut into uniform pieces for a pleasant texture and visual appeal. Add the chopped black olives, red onion, and green bell pepper to the bowl with the meats and cheeses. Chop the fresh parsley and add it to the bowl as well; this adds a lovely fresh flavor and vibrant green color.
    1/2 cup chopped black olives, 1/2 cup chopped red onion, 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  4. Once the rotini pasta has cooled completely, add it to the large mixing bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure that every piece of pasta, meat, and vegetable is touched by the flavorful dressing.
    1 pound rotini pasta, 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling time is crucial for the dressing to fully infuse the salad. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of savory goodness.
    2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Notes

To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended with dressing.