Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 300g (10.5 oz) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
  • 100g (3.5 oz) black olives, sliced
  • 100g (3.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 150g (5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt to the water for flavor.
  • Cook 300g (10.5 oz) of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). This usually takes 8-10 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Let it drain completely and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

2. Prepare the Ingredients:

  • Slice 100g (3.5 oz) of black olives into thin rounds.
  • Chop 100g (3.5 oz) of sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces. If they’re packed in oil, pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • Crumble 150g (5 oz) of feta cheese into small chunks.
  • Finely chop 2 tbsp of fresh parsley.

3. Assemble the Salad:

  • Add the sliced olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the pasta.
  • Drizzle 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp of aged balsamic vinegar over the ingredients.
  • Add 1 tsp of sea salt and 1/2 tsp of freshly cracked black pepper.

4. Mix the Salad:

  • Use a large spoon or salad tongs to gently toss all the ingredients together. Ensure the olive oil and balsamic vinegar coat the pasta evenly. Be careful not to mash the feta cheese.

5. Taste and Adjust:

  • Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar to suit your preference.

6. Serve:

  • Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates.
  • Garnish with 2 tbsp of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours if serving cold.

Serving Tip:
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish.

Shop the Ingredients:

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Salty Cupboard)
  • Aged Balsamic Vinegar (Salty Cupboard)
  • Sea Salt Flakes (Salty Cupboard)