Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and flavorful Mediterranean Pasta Salad featuring al dente rigatoni tossed with olive tapenade, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound cooked rigatoni pasta
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 oz chopped sundried tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped basil
Dairy
- 3 oz grated parmesan cheese
Condiments
- 3 oz olive tapenade
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook rigatoni pasta al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Drain thoroughly again to remove excess water.
- Prepare Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive tapenade, chopped sundried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Add the grated parmesan cheese into the bowl.
- Make the Dressing and Season: Add salt, freshly cracked black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil to the bowl with the other ingredients. Mix everything together gently to blend flavors evenly.
- Combine Pasta with Salad: Add the chilled pasta to the bowl with the salad ingredients and dressing. Gently toss everything together slowly, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the dressing and all ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately for a fresh, vibrant taste or chill in the refrigerator for a cooler, melded flavor. Enjoy your Mediterranean Pasta Salad!
Notes
- Use rigatoni or any other medium-sized pasta shape that holds dressing well.
- Chilling the pasta salad before serving enhances the flavors.
- Feel free to add a handful of olives or cucumber for extra texture.
- The salad is best consumed within 2 days when refrigerated.
- Make sure to rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking.
Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/mediterranean-pasta-salad-recipe/
