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Delicious Olive Garden pasta salad with fresh vegetables and dressing

Olive Garden Pasta Salad

A bright, crowd-pleasing side that’s perfect for potlucks and weeknight dinners, this easy pasta salad combines pepperoni, bacon bits, olives, tomatoes, and cheese tossed in zesty Olive Garden Italian dressing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 1 package 6 oz pepperonis, chopped
  • 1 cup bacon bits
Pantry & Produce
  • 1 box 16 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 can 2-3 oz sliced black olives, drained
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
Dairy & Cheese
  • 1-2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) Adjust based on preference
Dressing
  • 1 cup Olive Garden Italian Dressing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the rotini according to box directions; drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside to cool.
  2. Chop up the pepperonis and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Pour the cooled, drained pasta into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add the pepperonis, tomatoes, bacon bits, sliced black olives, and shredded cheese to the bowl.
  5. Pour 1 cup Olive Garden Italian Dressing over the salad and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and serve chilled.

Notes

Serve alongside grilled chicken, garlic bread, or as part of a picnic. Make it a night before for best flavor. Adjust dressing to taste and consider add-ins for variety.