Mediterranean Pine Nut & Feta Pasta Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad is an ideal dish for BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings, making it a favorite among vegetarian friends and meat lovers alike. The combination of al dente pasta tossed with creamy feta cheese, crunchy pine nuts, and colorful veggies creates a beautiful medley of flavors and textures. Drizzled with a zesty dressing made from fresh herbs, tangy lemon juice, and rich olive oil, this salad is refreshing and hearty enough to serve as a main dish when paired with hot French bread and sautéed mushrooms, red peppers, and onions on the side. Perfect for meal prep, this salad can be made ahead of time and is even tastier after chilling for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh parsley
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped (or 3 tablespoons dry parsley))
Basil
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated or powdered)
Olive oil
1/3 cup
Lemon juice
3-5 tablespoons (to taste)
Red wine vinegar
3-5 tablespoons (to taste)
Pine nuts
1/4 cup (preferably toasted)
Garlic cloves
2-4 cloves (minced)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Farfalle pasta
2-3 cups (about 6 ounces)
Boiling water
8 cups
Feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled (about 8 ounces))
Roasted red pepper
3/4 cup (sliced into thin strips)
English cucumber
1 (sliced into 1/4 inch rounds and halved or quartered)
Instructions
1
Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt and the farfalle pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and stir in a little butter or olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
2
While the pasta is cooling, prepare the dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine parsley, basil, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, toasted pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until the pine nuts are finely chopped and the dressing is well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with crumbled feta cheese, sliced roasted red peppers, and sliced cucumber. Gently fold in the dressing until all ingredients are well coated.
4
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together deliciously.
5
Serve chilled and enjoy at your next gathering or as a satisfying meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Pine Nut & Feta Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant pasta salad featuring farfalle, creamy feta cheese, crunchy pine nuts, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty homemade dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for farfalle pasta, also known as bow-tie pasta.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish that is popular with both vegetarians and meat lovers.
What are the ingredients in the zesty dressing?
The dressing is made from fresh parsley, basil, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, toasted pine nuts, and garlic.
How long should I cook the pasta?
Cook the farfalle in 8 cups of boiling salted water until it reaches an al dente texture according to the package instructions.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep and actually tastes better after chilling as the flavors have time to meld.
How long does the salad need to chill before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes sliced roasted red peppers and English cucumber.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 cup of fresh parsley with 3 tablespoons of dry parsley.
What is the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?
After draining the cooked pasta, stir in a little bit of butter or olive oil.
What are some suggested side dishes to serve with this salad?
It pairs well with hot French bread and a side of sautéed mushrooms, red peppers, and onions.
Should the pine nuts be toasted?
The recipe recommends using toasted pine nuts for the best flavor and crunch.
How much feta cheese is needed?
You will need 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, which is approximately 8 ounces.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until the pine nuts are finely chopped.
What type of vinegar is used?
This recipe uses 3 to 5 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The English cucumber should be sliced into 1/4 inch rounds and then halved or quartered.
How much pasta is required?
You need about 2-3 cups of farfalle pasta, which is roughly 6 ounces.
What kind of cheese is in the dressing?
The dressing includes 1/4 cup of grated or powdered parmesan cheese.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 2 to 4 minced garlic cloves depending on your preference.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a chilled pasta salad intended to be served cold.
Can I adjust the acidity of the dressing?
Yes, the lemon juice and red wine vinegar can be adjusted between 3 to 5 tablespoons each to suit your taste.
What makes the dressing 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh herbs, tangy lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and garlic provides a zesty flavor profile.
How much roasted red pepper is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of roasted red peppers sliced into thin strips.
What is the seasoning for the salad?
The salad is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper in the dressing.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be served as a main dish, especially when paired with bread and sautéed vegetables.
Does the recipe use dried basil?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil in the dressing.
Is English cucumber necessary?
While English cucumber is recommended for its thin skin and lack of seeds, other cucumbers could be used if preferred.
How do I mix the ingredients?
After the pasta has cooled, fold it together with the feta, peppers, and cucumber, then gently fold in the dressing.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of olive oil in the dressing.
Is this dish good for picnics?
Yes, its ability to be made ahead and served chilled makes it an ideal choice for picnics and BBQs.