Description

Looking for a refreshing and colorful dish to brighten up your mealtime? This pasta salad, featuring tri-colored pasta and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in the famously delicious Olive Garden Italian dressing, is a simple yet flavorful option that’s sure to delight. Whether you’re preparing a side dish for a summer barbecue, a healthy lunch option, or a light dinner, this pasta salad is versatile, easy to make, and irresistibly tasty. Here’s how to whip up this vibrant dish in no time.

Ingredients

Tri-Colored Pasta: The base of your salad, bringing a cheerful array of colors and a delightful texture.
Black Olives: Sliced, these add a nice briny contrast to the freshness of the other ingredients.
Cherry Tomatoes: Diced, for a burst of juicy sweetness in every bite.
Purple Onions: Thinly sliced, adding a sharpness and crunch that balances the salad.
Cucumber: Chopped, for a crisp, refreshing element.
Olive Garden Italian Dressing: Half a bottle to dress the salad, lending it that signature zesty and herby flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling the tri-colored pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This ensures the pasta is cooked through but still retains a nice bite, which is perfect for pasta salads.
Cool the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down quickly, making it ready for the salad. Ensure the pasta is well-drained to avoid a watery salad.
Chop the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, prepare your vegetables. Slice the black olives, dice the cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters depending on their size, thinly slice the purple onions, and chop the cucumber. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure each bite of the salad is balanced.
Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the sliced black olives, diced cherry tomatoes, sliced purple onions, and chopped cucumber. Pour half a bottle of Olive Garden Italian dressing over the mixture.
Toss Well: Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. The key here is to mix thoroughly but carefully, to ensure the pasta and vegetables are evenly dressed without being crushed or broken.
Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Give the salad a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

This pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It’s perfect on its own as a light meal or paired with grilled meats for a more substantial dinner. It also makes an excellent side for picnics or potluck gatherings, as it can be made in advance and travels well.

Notes

Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad:

Pasta Choice: While tri-colored pasta adds visual appeal, you can use any short pasta shape you have on hand.
Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients like mozzarella balls, pepperoncini, or artichoke hearts to tailor the salad to your tastes.
Dressing: Adjust the amount of Olive Garden Italian dressing to your preference. Some like their pasta salad more or less dressed, so start with half a bottle and add more if needed.

Packed with fresh ingredients and dressed in a tangy, herby dressing, this pasta salad is a celebration of flavors and textures. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a bowl of refreshing, delicious pasta salad that’s sure to become a favorite.