Description
2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup dried cranberries
½ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp honey
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, cranberries, red onion, and kalamata olives.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all evenly.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 220 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect pasta salad every time.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne or rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, slice the kalamata olives, and crumble the feta cheese. Having everything prepped and ready makes assembly quick.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, vigorously whisk or shake together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, honey, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is emulsified.
- Combine and Marinate: In your large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, cranberries, red onion, and olives. Pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently but thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For best results, let it chill for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to fully meld and the cranberries to soften slightly.
- Final Touches: Just before serving, give the salad one more gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad shines in various settings. Serve it as a vibrant, stand-alone lunch. It’s the perfect portable dish for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues, pairing wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers. For a more formal dinner, it makes an excellent side salad alongside roasted vegetables or a simple protein. Consider serving it in a large, shallow bowl or on a platter to showcase its colorful ingredients.
How-to Summary
Cook and cool pasta. Chop all salad ingredients. Whisk dressing ingredients until combined. Toss everything together in a large bowl. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. This salad is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, store it covered in the refrigerator, and add the fresh parsley garnish just before serving.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes. While feta provides a tangy saltiness, you can substitute it with goat cheese crumbles, cubed mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb more dressing over time, so a quick drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt before serving leftovers can refresh it.
Is there a substitute for dried cranberries?
Certainly. Dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or even raisins can be used. For a less sweet option, try toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
My salad seems dry after chilling. What happened?
Pasta continues to absorb liquid. If this occurs, simply whisk together an extra tablespoon each of olive oil and vinegar, and gently toss it into the salad before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Warm Pasta: Adding dressing to warm pasta will cause it to become gummy and absorb too much dressing too quickly. Always ensure your pasta is completely cooled.
- Skipping the Marinating Time: The 30-minute chill is not optional. This crucial step allows the flavors to develop and the dried cranberries to soften.
- Over-mixing with Delicate Ingredients: Toss the salad gently, especially after adding the feta, to prevent the cheese from turning into a paste and the cranberries from breaking apart.
- Underseasoning the Dressing: Taste your dressing before adding it. The salt from the feta and olives will season the salad, but the dressing itself needs a good balance of acidity, sweetness, and seasoning.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is more than just a simple side dish; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and textures that comes together with minimal effort. The combination of tangy feta, sweet cranberries, briny olives, and herby dressing is consistently crowd-pleasing. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a reliable, delicious recipe that will become a staple in your entertaining and everyday cooking repertoire. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
