When it comes to quick and delicious meals, pasta salad is a perennial favorite. It's versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for a variety of occasions—from a casual family dinner to a potluck or picnic. One of our standout recipes is a refreshing pasta salad featuring olives, feta, and a generous helping of Tomato & Olive Pasta Sauce. This dish combines the tangy, robust flavors of the sauce with the briny taste of olives and the creamy goodness of feta cheese. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired delight that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
The Star of the Dish: Tomato & Olive Pasta Sauce
Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about the star ingredient—Tomato & Olive Pasta Sauce. This sauce is a harmonious blend of ripe tomatoes and rich, flavorful olives, seasoned with a medley of herbs and spices. It's the perfect base for our pasta salad, providing a burst of umami that complements the other ingredients beautifully. The sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, but it truly shines in this refreshing pasta salad.
Ingredients You'll Need
For this delightful pasta salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well)
- 1 cup of Tomato & Olive Pasta Sauce
- 1 cup of pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This typically takes around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the pasta aside to drain completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Halve the olives and cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. These vibrant vegetables will add color, texture, and flavor to your pasta salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple vinaigrette will add a delightful tanginess to the salad and help to marry all the flavors together.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved olives, crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and red bell pepper. Pour in the dressing and toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 5: Add the Tomato & Olive Pasta Sauce
Now it’s time to add the star ingredient—Tomato & Olive Pasta Sauce. Pour the sauce over the pasta salad and gently toss to combine. The sauce will add a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and creamy feta.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish the pasta salad with some freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld together. This pasta salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it an ideal dish for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad
This refreshing pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
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Flavor Explosion: The Tomato & Olive Pasta Sauce brings a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Combined with the briny olives and creamy feta, each bite is a delightful experience.
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Versatility: This pasta salad can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even as part of a buffet spread. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any gathering.
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Ease of Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is easy to prepare, even on a busy day. It’s a great recipe for meal prepping, as it can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
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Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables and wholesome ingredients, this pasta salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal with a variety of textures and flavors.
Pairing Suggestions
To complete your meal, consider pairing this pasta salad with some crusty garlic bread and a glass of chilled white wine. For dessert, a light fruit salad or a scoop of lemon sorbet would be a perfect finish.
Conclusion
Incorporating Tomato & Olive Pasta Sauce into your pasta salad is a game-changer. It adds a unique flavor profile that makes the dish stand out. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this refreshing pasta salad with olives, feta, and a generous helping of Tomato & Olive Pasta Sauce is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!