Refreshing Mediterranean Summer Pasta Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Summer Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for warm weather gatherings, picnics, or simply for a light lunch. Bursting with flavors from marinated artichoke hearts and fresh vegetables, this salad combines the delightful textures of pasta and an array of colorful ingredients, all tossed together with a creamy dressing. Easy to prepare and great for serving a crowd, this recipe can be effortlessly doubled. It's a beloved staple in my home that brings a taste of summer to every meal. Enjoy a bowlful of freshness that’s both satisfying and healthy!
N/A
Servings
280
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
spiral pasta
12 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
marinated artichoke hearts
6.5 ounces (drained and coarsely chopped)
sliced olives
2.25 ounces (drained)
frozen peas
10 ounces (thawed)
red bell pepper
1 medium (chopped)
zucchini
1 small (chopped)
red onion
0.5 small (chopped)
Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup (freshly grated)
mayonnaise
0.5 cup (none)
Italian dressing
0.5 cup (none)
dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
dried dill weed
0.5 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
0.5 teaspoon (coarsely ground)
Instructions
1
Cook the spiral pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain well.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and coarsely chopped marinated artichoke hearts, sliced olives, thawed peas, chopped red bell pepper, chopped zucchini, chopped red onion, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese with the cooled pasta. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, dried parsley flakes, dried dill weed, and coarsely ground black pepper until well combined.
4
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad and gently toss again until all ingredients are well coated in the dressing.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
25g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Refreshing Mediterranean Summer Pasta Salad.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and includes fresh vegetables and cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
What type of pasta should I use?
You should use 12 ounces of spiral pasta.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked according to the package instructions until al dente.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and cools it down for the salad.
What kind of artichokes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6.5 ounces of marinated artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped.
Do I need to cook the peas?
No, you should use 10 ounces of frozen peas that have been thawed.
What type of olives are recommended?
The recipe uses 2.25 ounces of drained, sliced olives.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes red bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion.
What kind of cheese is added to the salad?
The recipe includes 0.5 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made from mayonnaise, Italian dressing, dried parsley flakes, dried dill weed, and black pepper.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, this recipe can be effortlessly doubled to serve a larger crowd.
How much fat is in this pasta salad?
This recipe contains 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 7g of protein per serving.
What is the best way to mix the dressing?
Whisk the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, and spices together in a separate small bowl before adding them to the pasta.
Is this recipe considered low in cholesterol?
Yes, it is tagged as a low cholesterol recipe.
What size zucchini should I use?
The recipe suggests using one small zucchini, chopped.
What type of bell pepper is used?
One medium red bell pepper, chopped, is used for color and flavor.
What kind of onion is best for this salad?
Half of a small red onion, chopped, is recommended.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses dried parsley flakes and dried dill weed.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a good recipe for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for warm weather gatherings and picnics.
How should I prepare the black pepper?
The black pepper should be coarsely ground.
How much Italian dressing is required?
You will need 0.5 cup of Italian dressing.
What should I do after combining the dressing and pasta?
Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are well coated, then cover and refrigerate.
What is the overall flavor profile of this salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean-style salad with a creamy dressing.
How should the bowl be stored in the fridge?
The bowl should be covered with plastic wrap during the refrigeration process.