Name: Italian Pasta Salad with Olive Garden Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb rotini (or any short pasta like bowtie, penne, or fusilli); 8-12 oz mini mozzarella balls (or diced mozzarella); 6-8 oz Genoa salami, sliced and quartered; 1 cup shredded fresh Parmesan cheese; 1 English cucumber, halved or quartered; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered; 16 oz roasted red peppers, jarred; 16 oz pepperoncini rings, roughly chopped; 1/3 cup diced red onion; ¼ cup freshly chopped basil; 1-2 cups Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing; Salt & pepper to taste

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If you’ve ever craved a vibrant, bursting-with-flavor salad that’s perfect for gathering with friends or family, then you absolutely must try this Italian Pasta Salad with Olive Garden Dressing Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that combines hearty pasta, fresh veggies, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella all tossed in that unmistakable, tangy Olive Garden Italian dressing you know and love. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch, a mellow creaminess, and a zesty punch of herbs—and the best part? It’s incredibly simple to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners that need a little extra love.

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with seven layers of ingredients arranged in sections against a white marbled surface. At the center is a mound of finely grated white cheese. Surrounding it, clockwise from the top, are small halved red cherry tomatoes, finely chopped light purple onions, finely chopped red bell peppers, thinly sliced yellow pepper rings, small pieces of dark red cured meat, small white mozzarella balls, and diced green cucumbers, each section clearly separated. In the background to the right, there is a light gray cloth, and to the left are two small stacked white plates with two golden forks resting on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe couldn’t be easier, yet each component plays an essential role in creating the salad’s incredible balance of taste, texture, and color. From the chewy rotini pasta that cradles every morsel to the bright cherry tomatoes and fresh basil that add a pop of freshness, every ingredient is a star in its own right.

Rotini pasta (1 lb): Choose rotini or other short pasta like bowtie, penne, or fusilli to hold the dressing well and keep each bite flavorful.

Mini mozzarella balls (8-12 oz): These add a creamy, mild richness that complements the tangy dressing perfectly.
English cucumber (1, halved or quartered): Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch to contrast with the softer textures.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved or quartered): Burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color that livens up the salad beautifully.

Roasted red peppers (16 oz, jarred): Adds smoky sweetness and a lovely, chewy texture.
Pepperoncini rings (16 oz, roughly chopped): Infuses a mildly spicy, tangy bite that wakes up your palate.
Red onion (⅓ cup, diced): Gives a sharp, savory edge that balances the creaminess and sweetness.

Genoa salami (6-8 oz, sliced and quartered): Brings a salty, meaty richness that makes the salad hearty and satisfying.
Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds a savory, nutty flavor that pulls all the ingredients together.
Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped): Provides a fragrant herbal brightness that elevates the entire dish.

Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing (1-2 cups): The star dressing that delivers zesty, garlicky, and herbaceous notes for that signature kick.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors in the salad.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad with Olive Garden Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water with about 2 tablespoons of salt—it’s key for seasoning the pasta inside out. Cook the rotini according to the package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture, which means it should still have a slight bite and not be mushy. Once cooked, drain it thoroughly and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly while stopping the cooking process. Make sure the pasta drains completely so the salad won’t get watery later.

Step 2: Prep Your Fresh and Flavorful Add-ins

While the pasta cools, get busy chopping your veggies, meats, and cheeses. Keep everything bite-sized and consistent so that every forkful offers a perfect balance of ingredients. Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes and cucumber, roughly chop the pepperoncini, slice the salami into quarters, and dice the red onion finely. Fresh basil should be chopped last to retain its bright aroma and vibrant green color.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

In a large bowl, combine your cooled pasta with the chopped veggies, salami, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This is where your salad starts to come alive with color and texture. Give everything a gentle but thorough toss to evenly distribute the ingredients before adding the dressing.

Step 4: Dress Up with Olive Garden Italian Dressing

Pour in the Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing—begin with one cup and toss the salad to coat everything evenly. If you prefer your salad more dressed and saucier, slowly add up to two cups, tossing after each addition. This dressing is where those familiar bright, garlicky, and herb-infused notes shine, perfectly enhancing all the fresh ingredients.

Step 5: Chill to Amplify the Flavors

Cover the bowl and refrigerate your salad for at least 30 to 60 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all the flavors to marry and intensify. If you can plan ahead, letting it chill overnight is even better—trust me, the salad tastes like it’s been simmering in flavor magic.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve with Flair

Just before serving, sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh basil on top for a pop of color and flavor. Now you’re ready to dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad with Olive Garden Dressing Recipe

A large clear glass bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad, showing about three layers of ingredients. The main layer is a lot of yellow spiral pasta with a soft texture. Mixed in are bright red cherry tomato halves and small white mozzarella balls scattered evenly. There are green cucumber chunks with skin showing, mixed with slices of maroon cured meat pieces. Small yellow pepper slices and herbs add extra color. A woman's hand holds a dark wooden spoon on the left side of the bowl, gently stirring the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your Italian Pasta Salad with Olive Garden Dressing Recipe to the next level, add fresh garnishes like chopped fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. These simple touches not only add appeal but deepen the salad’s vibrant flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, garlic bread, or an antipasto platter full of marinated olives and artichokes. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this salad complements so many mains, making it a versatile side that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the salad in a large clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful layers or portion it into individual mason jars for picnic-ready servings. You can also scoop it onto crisp lettuce leaves to add extra crunch and create pretty salad cups for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Italian Pasta Salad with Olive Garden Dressing Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first 24 to capture the salad’s peak texture and taste.

Freezing

This pasta salad does not freeze well because the fresh vegetables and dressing may separate and lose their texture. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Since this is a cold pasta salad meant to be enjoyed chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, give it a quick stir and maybe add a splash of extra dressing or olive oil to refresh the flavors before serving leftover portions.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for this salad?

Absolutely! While rotini is recommended because it holds onto dressing well, other short pasta shapes like penne, bowtie, or fusilli work beautifully too. Just make sure the pasta is cooked al dente to keep its texture.

What if I don’t have Olive Garden Italian dressing?

If you can’t get your hands on the Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing, look for a good-quality Italian dressing with garlic, herbs, and a balanced tang. You can even make a homemade version with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, parsley, and a pinch of sugar.

Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the salami or replace it with a plant-based meat alternative. For a vegan version, swap mozzarella and Parmesan for vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether, and ensure your dressing is free of dairy ingredients.

How long should I chill the salad for best flavor?

While 30 to 60 minutes is the minimum to let the flavors meld, chilling the salad overnight provides the most vibrant taste and texture. Just give it a good toss before serving.

Can I customize the veggies?

Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving and flexible. You can add or substitute veggies like black olives, green bell peppers, or radishes depending on what you have on hand or your preferences.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Italian Pasta Salad with Olive Garden Dressing Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, savory, tangy, and cheesy, packed full of ingredients that delight your taste buds and your eyes. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Italian Pasta Salad with Olive Garden Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need