Mediterranean Olives and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean-inspired Olives and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of al dente rotini pasta, savory Spanish olives, fresh herbs, and creamy goat cheese makes it a perfect dish for sharing. Ideal for a light lunch, a side dish at a picnic, or a refreshing appetizer at gatherings, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this colorful and vibrant dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a satisfying meal that's both nutritious and delicious.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cut pasta (such as rotini)
1 lb (Cooked al dente and cooled)
Salt
To taste (For boiling pasta and seasoning)
Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (None)
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Garlic clove
1 (Minced)
Market Pantry® Spanish Salad Olives Sliced with Pimentos
1 (10 ounce) jar (Drained and rinsed)
Fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup (Finely chopped)
Goat cheese
1 (4 ounce) container (Crumbled)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the cut pasta, such as rotini, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again to ensure it is well-dried.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
3
3. To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, drained sliced Spanish olives with pimentos, and finely chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4
4. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Finally, crumble the goat cheese over the top of the pasta salad, and give it a gentle toss to combine before serving.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
13.3g
Carbs
3.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Mediterranean Olives and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
This dish can be whipped up in just under 30 minutes.
What type of pasta is recommended?
Cut pasta such as rotini is recommended for this salad.
What are the primary flavors in this Mediterranean salad?
The salad features savory Spanish olives, fresh herbs, and creamy goat cheese.
Should the pasta be cooked a certain way?
The pasta should be cooked in generously salted water until it is al dente.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and then drain well.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made of red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the olives?
Use a 10-ounce jar of sliced Spanish salad olives with pimentos, drained and rinsed.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 4-ounce container of crumbled goat cheese.
What fresh herb is included?
Finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley is used in the salad.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal.
Can this salad be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 133 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 7.5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates does this salad have?
It contains 13.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 3.3g of protein.
Is this dish suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as an ideal side dish for a picnic.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
What kind of vinegar is used for the dressing?
Red wine vinegar is used to create the salad dressing.
Can I serve this as a main meal?
It is suitable for a light lunch, though it also works as a side dish or appetizer.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta.
How do I emulsify the dressing?
Whisk the vinegar, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper together until smooth.
When should the goat cheese be added?
Crumble the goat cheese over the top as the final step and give it a gentle toss.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Extra-virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
How much pasta is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of cut pasta.
What specific brand of olives is mentioned?
Market Pantry Spanish Salad Olives Sliced with Pimentos are used.
Is there a specific way to toss the salad?
Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is recommended to serve it as a colorful and vibrant dish that is nutritious and delicious.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste the salad and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
What is the texture of the goat cheese in this salad?
The goat cheese provides a creamy texture that blends with the other ingredients.