The Ultimate Pasta Salad
The Ultimate Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 1 pound tri-color rotini pasta, cooked according to package directions, cooled
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 English cucumber, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 jar Mezzetta Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, drained (about 6 ounces)
- 1 jar pepperoncini, drained and chopped (about 12 ounces)
- 6 ounces diced pepperoni
- 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, cubed
- 2 packets Zesty Italian seasoning mix
- 48 fluid ounces Olive Garden Signature Italian dressing, (2 bottles, 24 fl oz each)
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- 1
Cook the tri-color rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
⏱️ 10 min
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, chopped English cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, chopped fresh parsley, and diced red onion. This ensures all vegetables are evenly prepared before mixing.
⏱️ 10 min
- 3
In a very large mixing bowl, add the cooled cooked rotini pasta.
⏱️ 1 min
- 4
Add the prepared chopped vegetables (broccoli, cucumber, grape tomatoes, parsley, red onion) to the large mixing bowl with the pasta.
⏱️ 1 min
- 5
Add the shredded carrots, drained Kalamata olives, drained and chopped pepperoncini, diced pepperoni, and cubed mild cheddar cheese to the bowl.
⏱️ 3 min
- 6
Sprinkle both packets of Zesty Italian seasoning mix over all the ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
⏱️ 1 min
- 7
Using a large wooden spoon or sturdy spatula, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and the seasoning is evenly distributed.
⏱️ 3 min
- 8
Pour both 24 fluid ounce bottles of Olive Garden Signature Italian dressing over the pasta salad.
⏱️ 1 min
- 9
Mix the salad thoroughly again to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed and coats all the ingredients.
⏱️ 3 min
- 10
Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad and gently mix it in to add a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
⏱️ 2 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
The Ultimate Pasta Salad
For the Pasta Salad
- 1 pound tri-color rotini pasta, cooked according to package directions, cooled
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 English cucumber, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 jar Mezzetta Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, drained (about 6 ounces)
- 1 jar pepperoncini, drained and chopped (about 12 ounces)
- 6 ounces diced pepperoni
- 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, cubed
- 2 packets Zesty Italian seasoning mix
- 48 fluid ounces Olive Garden Signature Italian dressing, (2 bottles, 24 fl oz each)
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- 1
Cook the tri-color rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
⏱️ 10 min - 2
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, chopped English cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, chopped fresh parsley, and diced red onion. This ensures all vegetables are evenly prepared before mixing.
⏱️ 10 min - 3
In a very large mixing bowl, add the cooled cooked rotini pasta.
⏱️ 1 min - 4
Add the prepared chopped vegetables (broccoli, cucumber, grape tomatoes, parsley, red onion) to the large mixing bowl with the pasta.
⏱️ 1 min - 5
Add the shredded carrots, drained Kalamata olives, drained and chopped pepperoncini, diced pepperoni, and cubed mild cheddar cheese to the bowl.
⏱️ 3 min - 6
Sprinkle both packets of Zesty Italian seasoning mix over all the ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
⏱️ 1 min - 7
Using a large wooden spoon or sturdy spatula, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and the seasoning is evenly distributed.
⏱️ 3 min - 8
Pour both 24 fluid ounce bottles of Olive Garden Signature Italian dressing over the pasta salad.
⏱️ 1 min - 9
Mix the salad thoroughly again to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed and coats all the ingredients.
⏱️ 3 min - 10
Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad and gently mix it in to add a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
⏱️ 2 min