Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our refreshing pasta salad, a harmonious blend of al dente pasta, succulent olives, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing. This versatile dish offers a symphony of textures and flavors, making it perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or light meals. Discover a collection of four delectable pasta salad recipes, each boasting unique ingredients and tantalizing taste profiles:
1. **Classic Mediterranean Pasta Salad:** Embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with this timeless classic. Juicy tomatoes, briny olives, aromatic oregano, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar unite to create a refreshing and flavorful symphony.
2. **Greek Lemon and Olive Pasta Salad:** Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this zesty salad. Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a tangy lemon-herb dressing create a mouthwatering combination that will transport you to the sunny shores of the Aegean Sea.
3. **Italian Olive and Artichoke Pasta Salad:** Dive into the culinary delights of Italy with this classic pasta salad. Tender artichoke hearts, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious basil pesto dressing come together in perfect harmony, capturing the essence of Italian cuisine.
4. **Tuscan Kale and Olive Pasta Salad:** Discover the rustic charm of Tuscany with this hearty and wholesome salad. Fresh kale, roasted pine nuts, and a creamy Parmesan dressing create a symphony of flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
GREEK PASTA SALAD WITH FETA AND OLIVES
Tomato, cucumber, feta, olives and pasta are tossed with an oregano vinaigrette for a filling Greek-style salad.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 30m
Yield 4-6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, shallot, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the cucumber, feta, parsley, olives and tomatoes to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.
PASTA SALAD WITH OLIVES AND MOZZARELLA
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 20m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring 1 gallon salted water to a rolling boil in a large stockpot. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, and pasta, and cook until al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain in a colander, shaking vigorously, and immediately transfer to an oiled cookie sheet or clean countertop to cool. When cool, transfer to a bowl, and toss with 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
- Mix all remaining ingredients in a bowl. Toss with pasta, adjust seasonings, and serve.
THREE-CHEESE PASTA SALAD WITH OLIVES
Provided by Barbara Dod Whittle
Categories Salad Cheese Herb Olive Pasta Picnic Quick & Easy Graduation Summer Chill Bon Appétit Virginia
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook pasta in pot of boiling water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
- Mix pasta, olives, bell pepper, all cheeses and basil in large bowl to combine. Pour vinegar into small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Add sugar; season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Toss salad with enough dressing to coat. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 2 hours. (Can be prepared 8 hours ahead; keep refrigerated.)
PASTA SALAD WITH MOZZARELLA, OLIVES AND TOMATOES
This salad is wonderful to make in the summer when tomatoes are ripe and basil is fresh! Take this salad along to your next picnic, barbecue or potluck. *** This is based on the review. this salad is not meant to be served warm. It should be allowed to chill several hours to let the flavors meld.
Provided by Little Bee
Categories European
Time 30m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine the mozzarella, tomatoes, olives.
- In a tight fitting jar compine garlic, basil, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper and shake.
- Set aside.
- Meanwhile bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Drain well.
- Add the pasta to the mozzarella and tomato.
- Pour dressing (use all or less according to taste) mixture over Pasta mixture and toss well.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Serves 6 to 8.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 734, Fat 29.6, SaturatedFat 8, Cholesterol 29.9, Sodium 348.6, Carbohydrate 92.2, Fiber 5.7, Sugar 5.6, Protein 24.6
PASTA SALAD WITH OLIVES
Categories Pasta Side Vegetarian
Yield 12 servings as a side dish, 6 as a main course.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- in a large bowl add pasta, onion, and olives. toss gently. in a seperate, smaller bowl mix remaining ingrdients thoroughly. pour mixture over pasta and mix gently. chill before serving.
GREEK TOSSED PASTA SALAD
For a summer-ready pasta salad that pairs well with any grilling menu or for a quick potluck pleaser, try this 30-minute pasta. It gets a head start with Suddenly Salad and goes Greek with feta, olives and tomatoes.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 25m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Make pasta as directed on box.
- In large bowl, stir together seasoning mix, water and oil. Stir in pasta and remaining ingredients except cheese. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve immediately, or refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 160, Carbohydrate 20 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 540 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta. Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle are ideal for pasta salad because they hold the dressing well. Avoid using long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine, as they can be difficult to eat in a salad.
- Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking the pasta until it is just tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won't hold its shape well in a salad.
- Use a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what will bring all the flavors of the pasta salad together. Use a dressing that is flavorful and complements the other ingredients in the salad. A simple vinaigrette or pesto dressing is a good option.
- Add a variety of vegetables. Vegetables add color, crunch, and flavor to pasta salad. Use a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. You can also use roasted vegetables for a smoky flavor.
- Add some protein. Protein helps to make pasta salad a more filling meal. Add some cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans to your pasta salad. You can also use grilled or roasted protein.
- Add some cheese. Cheese adds a creamy and savory flavor to pasta salad. Use a hard cheese like Parmesan or Romano, or a soft cheese like mozzarella or feta. You can also use a combination of cheeses.
- Chill the pasta salad before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and will make the pasta salad more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. With a few simple tips, you can make a pasta salad that is flavorful, refreshing, and filling. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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