Overnight Pasta Salad
Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to make ahead of time? This Overnight Pasta Salad is the ultimate no-stress recipe that gets even better as it sits. Made with tri-color rotini pasta, fresh veggies, savory salami, creamy provolone, and tossed in Olive Garden’s Signature Italian Dressing, this pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs—or just easy weekday lunches.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad
- Make-Ahead Magic: (AKA: Fridge Magic) Prepped in minutes, then chilled overnight to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Bold & Zesty Flavors: With pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, and that iconic Olive Garden dressing, every bite packs a punch.
- Versatile & Customizable: Perfect as a side dish or a light main meal.
- Feeds a Crowd: Great for gatherings, meal prep, or easy dinners.
Making Overnight Pasta Salad
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Once done cooking, rinse and cool the pasta.
Then, it’s just a matter of slicing and dicing everything that goes into the salad. More specifically:
- cucumbers: peel, slice, then cut slices in half or quarters
- cherry tomatoes: cut into quarters
- red onion: chop or dice
- Kalamata olives: cut in half
- pepperoncini peppers: slice
- salami: cut into strips or quarters
- provolone cheese: cubed or sliced into strips
Then, in a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir to evenly coat. That includes the dressing and seasoning. Start with one tablespoon of the seasoning and let it marinate a few hours, then test. Add more if desired.
Was that easy, or what? I admit, it takes some time to slice and dice everything, but it’s so worth it. Further, your family and friends will appreciate it.
Now, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours—preferably overnight—for the best flavor. Give it a good stir before serving. Also, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips for Pasta Salad Perfection
- Let It Marinate: The longer it sits, the better it tastes. Overnight is ideal!
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch.
- Double It: Feeding a large crowd? This recipe scales up easily.
- Make It Veggie-Only: Skip the salami and cheese for a vegetarian version that’s still loaded with flavor.
- In a Hurry?: Buy the pre-sliced pepperoncini, pre-diced onion, and pre-cubed provolone to cut down on prep time.
Customizable and Flexible:
- Rotini can be substituted with other like-sized pasta.
- Switch out salami for pepperoni — or use both
- Onions are optional, but can also be substituted with sweet onion, green onions, etc.
- Use your own favorite herbs and spices.
Serving Suggestions
This overnight pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers. It’s also a fantastic standalone lunch on a hot day—just scoop and go!
More Salad Recipes
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Veggie Pasta Salad
- Curry Chicken Salad
- Summer Garden Pasta Salad
- Italian Pasta and Lettuce Salad
If you tried and love this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating on the recipe card and consider leaving a comment below. Thank you so much.
Overnight Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz. box tri-colored rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cucumber, peeled, sliced, then half each slice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/3 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 4 oz. salami, cut into strips
- 4 oz. provolone cheese, cubed or cut into strips
- 1 Tbsp. Salad Supreme Seasoning, to taste
- 16 oz. jar Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir to evenly coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours — or overnight — for best results. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Overnight Pasta Salad
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