Mediterranean Garden Pasta Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Garden Pasta Salad is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors in a colorful, refreshing salad. Inspired by a classic recipe from Cooking Club of America, this version has been tailored to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. It combines chewy penne pasta with a bounty of fresh vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and savory salami, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for summer potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal, this pasta salad can be customized to your liking—feel free to swap ingredients or adjust the quantities to create your personal version. While it's ideal to let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator, you're welcome to enjoy it immediately! Serve it at your next gathering, and watch as guests line up for seconds.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne pasta
1 lb (Cooked al dente and cooled)
Colby cheese
3/4 cup (Cubed)
Jalapeno pepper cheese
3/4 cup (Cubed)
Provolone cheese
3/4 cup (Cubed)
Genoa salami
3/4 cup (Julienned)
Plum tomatoes
4 (Diced)
Red bell pepper
1/2 cup (Diced)
Black olives
1/2 cup (Pitted)
Red onion
1/2 cup (Sliced)
Broccoli florets
1/2 cup (Cut into small pieces)
Celery
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Marinated artichokes
2 (6 1/2 ounce) jars (One undrained)
Sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup (Chopped, packed in oil and herbs)
Italian dressing
1 1/2 cups (Store-bought or homemade)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (For dressing)
Balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (For dressing)
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Fresh basil
1 tablespoon (Chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried))
Fresh oregano
1 tablespoon (Chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried))
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, parsley, basil, and oregano until well combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne, Colby cheese, jalapeno pepper cheese, provolone cheese, Genoa salami, diced plum tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, black olives, sliced red onion, broccoli florets, chopped celery, marinated artichokes, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
4
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing well to coat all ingredients evenly.
5
Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting as necessary.
6
For best results, cover the salad and refrigerate it overnight to allow flavors to meld. However, you can serve it immediately if desired.
7
Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle toss to redistribue the dressing and ingredients.
8
If desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor before serving.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
26g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Garden Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that combines penne pasta with fresh vegetables like broccoli and peppers, flavorful cheeses, and savory Genoa salami, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for penne pasta, but any short, sturdy pasta that can hold the dressing well will work.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, you can easily substitute penne with other shapes such as rotini, fusilli, farfalle (bow tie), or rigatoni.
What three types of cheese are used in this salad?
The recipe uses a combination of Colby cheese, Jalapeno pepper cheese, and Provolone cheese, all cubed into bite-sized pieces.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the Genoa salami. You can add extra vegetables or chickpeas for additional texture.
Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free because it uses standard penne. However, you can make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta brand.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing is a blend of Italian dressing, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, fresh parsley, basil, and oregano.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The penne should be cooked in salted water until it is al dente, then drained and rinsed under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, it is actually recommended to prepare it in advance and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
How long will this pasta salad last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, this salad will remain fresh for 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze Mediterranean Garden Pasta Salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the vegetables and the pasta will become mushy once thawed.
What protein is included in the recipe?
The main protein sources in this salad are the Genoa salami and the various cheeses, providing 10g of protein per serving.
What is a good substitute for Genoa salami?
You can substitute salami with cooked chicken breast, ham, pepperoni, or even canned chickpeas for a different protein profile.
Are the vegetables in the salad cooked or raw?
Most of the vegetables, including the broccoli, peppers, onions, and celery, are added raw to provide a fresh crunch.
Do I need to drain the artichokes?
The recipe suggests using two jars of marinated artichokes, leaving one of them undrained to add extra flavor to the mix.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, if you do not have fresh basil or oregano, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of the dried version for every tablespoon of fresh herb required.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving of this Mediterranean Garden Pasta Salad.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 19g of fat, largely coming from the cheeses, salami, and olive oil dressing.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 26g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this pasta salad spicy?
It has a very mild kick due to the Jalapeno pepper cheese, but it is generally considered a savory rather than a spicy dish.
What can I serve alongside this salad?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, burgers, or can be served as a standalone light lunch.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add cucumbers, zucchini, or even spinach to increase the vegetable content.
Should the salad be served hot or cold?
This dish is intended to be served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics and summer gatherings.
How many different ingredients are needed?
There are 22 ingredients in total, including the pasta, cheeses, meats, vegetables, and all dressing components.
Can I use a homemade Italian dressing?
Yes, you can use either a store-bought Italian dressing or your favorite homemade recipe as the base.
What can I substitute for Colby cheese?
Mild cheddar or Monterey Jack are excellent substitutes for Colby cheese in this salad.
Is there a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers or simply add more fresh plum tomatoes.
Can I use white vinegar instead of balsamic?
You can, but balsamic vinegar is preferred for its specific sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the Italian herbs.
Is it okay to skip the overnight refrigeration?
Yes, you can serve it immediately if you are in a hurry, though the flavor will be more developed if allowed to sit.
How do I refresh the salad if the pasta absorbs all the dressing?
If the salad looks dry after sitting, simply toss it with an extra splash of Italian dressing or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.