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Bowl of Olive Garden style pasta salad with Italian dressing, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.

Olive Garden Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 2 hours
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 68 -8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber chopped
  • ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese cubes
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup Italian dressing
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the rotini in salted water until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let cool completely.
  2. While pasta cools, chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Slice onions thin; cut mozzarella into small cubes if needed.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, vegetables, olives, and cheese. Toss gently.
  4. Pour Italian dressing gradually over the mixture, tossing to coat. Add oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. Before serving, toss again and add a splash of dressing if needed.