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.
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
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the rotini according to box directions; drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside to cool.
- Chop up the pepperonis and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Pour the cooled, drained pasta into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the pepperonis, tomatoes, bacon bits, sliced black olives, and shredded cheese to the bowl.
- Pour 1 cup Olive Garden Italian Dressing over the salad and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- 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.