Name: Italian Pasta Salad with Olive Garden Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb rotini (or short pasta like bowtie, penne, fusilli); 8–12 oz mini mozzarella balls or diced mozzarella; 1 English cucumber, halved or quartered and sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered; 16 oz jarred roasted red peppers, drained and sliced; 16 oz pepperoncini rings, roughly chopped; ⅓ cup diced red onion; 6–8 oz Genoa salami, sliced and quartered; 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup freshly chopped basil; 1–2 cups Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing; Salt & pepper, to taste

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A vibrant and indulgent pasta salad loaded with fresh vegetables, savory salami, creamy cheeses, and dressed in the iconic Olive Garden Italian dressing—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or relaxed family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Pasta Salad captures the quintessential flavors of Olive Garden’s signature dressing—tangy, herby, and slightly sweet—blended with fresh vegetables and cheeses for a hearty, refreshing dish. It’s super easy to customize, travels well, and tastes even better after it chills and melds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb rotini (or short pasta like bowtie, penne, fusilli)
8–12 oz mini mozzarella balls or diced mozzarella
1 English cucumber, halved or quartered and sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
16 oz jarred roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
16 oz pepperoncini rings, roughly chopped
⅓ cup diced red onion
6–8 oz Genoa salami, sliced and quartered
1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ cup freshly chopped basil
1–2 cups Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing (or your favorite)
Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook The Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 2 Tbsp salt, and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (it should still have a slight bite).
Drain and rinse under cold water until chilled. Let it drain fully.

2. Prep The Add‑Ins

While the pasta cools, prepare the rest: slice mozzarella, cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, pepperoncini, onions, salami, and shred Parmesan. Chop the basil.

3. Mix It Up

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, mozzarella, cucumber, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, red onion, salami, Parmesan, and basil.

4. Dress It Up

Pour in 1 cup of Italian dressing and toss to coat. Add more dressing (up to a total of 2 cups) if you prefer a saucier salad. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Chill

Refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes (or overnight) to let flavors mingle and develop. Toss again before serving.

6. Garnish And Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle additional Parmesan and fresh basil on top. Enjoy chilled!

Servings And Timing

Makes: About 8 servings
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes to overnight
Total time: ~45 minutes without overnight chilling

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit salami or replace with marinated artichoke hearts or olives.
Greener Twist: Swap some pasta for chickpeas or crisp salad greens.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or chopped pepperoni.
Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese and omit Parmesan.
Zesty Dressing: Stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep pasta salad in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Before Serving: Give it a gentle toss and add a splash of fresh dressing to refresh the flavors.
Freezing: Not recommended—vegetables and cheese change texture when frozen.

FAQs

1. Can I use other pasta shapes?

Absolutely—any short, sturdy pasta works well here, like penne or fusilli.

2. How much dressing is best?

Start with 1 cup and taste. Use up to 2 cups for a more dressed, saucy salad.

3. Can it sit overnight?

Yes—overnight chilling allows flavors to deepen. Always give it a good toss before serving.

4. Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten‑free pasta and ensure your dressing is gluten‑free to adapt it.

5. Can I prep ahead?

Yes—chop and cook the pasta ahead of time, then assemble close to serving time.

6. How can I add more protein?

Grilled chicken, salami, chickpeas, or pepperoni are great options.

7. What if I don’t have salami?

Ham, pepperoni, or vegetarian deli slices work well as substitutes.

8. Can I swap mozzarella for another cheese?

Yes—cubed cheddar, provolone, or feta adds a new flavor dimension.

9. Should I rinse the pasta?

Yes—rinsing stops cooking and cools pasta quickly to prevent over-softening.

10. What’s the best way to serve it?

Serve chilled, straight from the fridge, on a buffet or picnic table. It’s ready to eat.

Conclusion

This Italian Pasta Salad with Olive Garden Dressing is vibrant, flavorful, and a breeze to make. From potlucks and barbecues to weeknight dinners, it brings a fresh and satisfying option that grows more delicious as it chills. Simple, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser—enjoy!