Olive Garden Style Pasta Salad
This Olive Garden Style Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and delicious, it's the ideal potluck salad.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 Colander
- 1 Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup black olives sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the pasta salad cold as a side dish or main course. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
Pro Tips: Always rinse pasta under cold water after cooking. Ingredient Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. How to Serve: Serve chilled for best flavor. Storage & Freshness: Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare a day ahead to enhance flavor.