Vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Get ready to wow your taste buds with this colorful and zesty pasta salad! Packed with fresh vegetables, savory meats, and tangy cheese, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual picnics to elegant dinner parties.

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:
– 8 ounces fusilli pasta

For the Dressing:
– 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, finely grated
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Salad:
– 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup Persian cucumber, diced
– 1 cup orange bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup hard salami, diced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/3 cup kalamata olives, torn
– 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped
– 2 cups arugula

‍ Instructions:

1. Cook the fusilli pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain well.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add the warm pasta to the dressing and toss to coat. Let it cool for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Once cooled, add tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, salami, feta cheese, red onion, olives, dill, and parsley to the pasta. Toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately.

6. Just before serving, fold in the fresh arugula.

7. Serve and enjoy your vibrant pasta salad!

Chef’s Tips:
– For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
– Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
– For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add chickpeas for protein.

This pasta salad is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors and textures. The tangy dressing, infused with Dijon and garlic, perfectly coats the pasta and vegetables. The combination of crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy bell peppers provides a refreshing contrast to the chewy pasta.

The addition of hard salami adds a savory depth, while crumbled feta brings a creamy, salty punch. Kalamata olives contribute a briny note that’s quintessentially Mediterranean. Fresh herbs like dill and parsley add brightness and aroma, elevating the entire dish.

What makes this pasta salad stand out is the last-minute addition of peppery arugula. It adds a fresh, slightly spicy note and a beautiful green color, making the salad even more appetizing.

This versatile dish is perfect for make-ahead meals, potlucks, or as a satisfying lunch. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress and delight everyone who tries it. Enjoy this burst of Mediterranean sunshine in every forkful!