Introduction
This delightful pasta salad is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a fantastic dish for gatherings, picnics, or simply a refreshing meal at home. With a base of tender pasta paired with fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, it’s tossed in a zesty homemade dressing that elevates the entire dish. Ready in no time, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pasta:
500g (1 lb) bow tie pasta or other short/medium pasta
Add-ins (7 cups “anything”):
2 cucumbers, halved lengthways and finely sliced (approximately 17 cm/7″ long, 2 mm / 1/16″ thick)
3 cups (500g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (or chop 4 regular tomatoes)
1/3 cup (80g) roughly chopped Kalamata olives (3/4 cup whole pitted or 1/2 cup sliced)
200g (7 oz) Greek feta, cut into 6 mm (1/4″) batons (they will crumble a bit, which is good)
1 packed cup basil leaves, torn by hand
Dressing:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (substitute with white or red wine vinegar)
2 garlic cloves, minced using a garlic press or very finely minced using a knife
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)
2 teaspoons honey (substitute with maple syrup or 1 teaspoon sugar)
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian herbs mix (or Herbs de Provence or oregano)
3/4 teaspoon cooking salt / kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves approximately 6-8 people
This wonderful pasta salad not only brings together a variety of nutritious ingredients but also captivates the senses with its vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a side dish, it’s a versatile recipe to keep in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
Combine all dressing ingredients—extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard (if using), honey (or substitute), Italian herbs mix, cooking salt, and black pepper—in a jar. Shake well until the mixture is emulsified and well combined.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the bow tie pasta and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes longer than the package instructions for al dente. This ensures the pasta will be tender even after cooling.
Combine Pasta and Dressing
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and transfer it into a large mixing bowl. While the pasta is still hot, drizzle over two-thirds of the prepared dressing. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, tossing occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
Add Vegetables and Cheese
When the pasta has cooled down, add the sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, and Greek feta batons to the bowl. Pour the remaining dressing over the top and toss gently to incorporate the ingredients, allowing some of the feta to crumble into the salad.
Incorporate Basil
Just before serving, add the torn basil leaves to the pasta salad. Toss everything together gently to ensure the basil is evenly distributed without breaking it apart too much.
Serve
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for later use. If you refrigerate, let it come to room temperature for optimal flavor before serving.
Notes
Cooking Time
Ensure to check the pasta package for specific cooking times, but aim for a very soft texture beyond al dente for best results.
Substitutions
For the dressing, you can use white or red wine vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar. Maple syrup is a good alternative to honey, or you can use sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad can be a great side dish or a light main meal and is perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Storage Recommendations
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best taste, consume within 2 to 3 days.
Cook techniques
Prepare the Dressing
Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well to emulsify. This method ensures that the oil blends smoothly with the vinegar and other ingredients, creating a cohesive dressing.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until it is very soft, about 2 to 3 minutes beyond the indicated package time for al dente. This technique ensures that the pasta remains tender after cooling, making it ideal for salads.
Combine Pasta and Dressing
Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. While the pasta is still hot, pour over two-thirds of the prepared dressing. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta, which helps flavor the pasta thoroughly.
Add Vegetables and Cheese
Once the pasta has cooled, add the sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, chopped olives, and feta cheese. Pour over the remaining dressing and toss gently. This method allows some of the feta to crumble into the salad, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
Incorporate Basil
Just before serving, add the torn basil leaves and give the salad a final toss. This ensures that the fresh basil is evenly distributed throughout the dish, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.
Serve
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish and enjoy. This can be served immediately or refrigerated. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the bow tie pasta with any short or medium pasta of your choice, such as penne or fusilli.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives?
If you don’t have Kalamata olives, you can use black olives or green olives as an alternative.
Is there a substitute for Greek feta?
If Greek feta is not available, you can use any crumbly cheese like goat cheese or cotija cheese as a substitute.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can make the salad in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
What can I add to the salad for more protein?
You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or diced tofu to increase the protein content of the salad.
How long can I store the pasta salad?
The pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This delicious pasta salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients and flavors, perfect for a light meal, BBQs, or picnics. The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta creates a refreshing dish, while the dressing enhances the overall taste, making it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe and feel free to customize it to your taste.
More recipes suggestions and combination
– Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and heartiness.
– Incorporate bell peppers or radishes for added crunch and flavor.
– Substitute quinoa or farro for the pasta for a gluten-free option.
– Mix in artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
– Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or goat cheese.
– Include avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
– Try adding nuts or seeds for additional texture and nutrition.
