Greek Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Greek Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
This vibrant Greek Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a perfect dish for those warm summer days, offering a refreshing and satisfying meal that's both easy to prepare and super versatile.
Picture this: perfectly cooked al dente pasta mingles with vibrant veggies, all dressed up in a balsamic vinaigrette that's so good, you might be tempted to sip it straight. It's the little black dress of salads – classic, versatile, and always in style.
One of the other best features of this recipe is its adaptability! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or use what's available in your kitchen. Mix and match different cheeses, from creamy mozzarella to sharp Parmesan or tangy feta. Similarly, the vegetable options are endless – try sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted bell peppers for added depth. I love using flavored olive oil as well. There are a plethora of choices in specialty oil & vinegar stores!
This pasta salad transitions effortlessly from a side dish to a complete meal. Add grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas for extra protein, making it ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution. Served chilled or at room temperature, it's a convenient make-ahead option that only improves as flavors meld over time. Happy eating!
Servings vary
Ingredients:
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 6 TBSP balsamic vinegar
- 2 TBSP Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 TBSP lemon juice
- 1 tsp s.a.l.t. sisters Mediterranean Rub & Seasoning
Salad:
- 1 lb. rotini pasta, cooked
- 8 oz. fresh small mozzarella balls (bocconcini- or ciliegine-size, cut in half)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 lb. hard salami, cut into chunks
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
Directions:
Prepare Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- In a large bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, and s.a.l.t. sisters Mediterranean Rub & Seasoning until well combined.
Assemble Salad:
- Add the cooked rotini pasta and all other salad ingredients (mozzarella balls, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, hard salami, kalamata olives, and italian parsley) to the bowl with the vinaigrette.
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated with the vinaigrette.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Enjoy this flavorful and colorful Greek Pasta Salad as a delightful addition to any meal or gathering!