Description
Mediterranean magic shines through Ina Garten’s tomato feta pasta salad, blending sun-kissed tomatoes, creamy feta, and aromatic herbs. Refreshing ingredients dance together, delivering a perfect summer dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- ½ pound (227 grams) fusilli (spirals) pasta
- 1 pound (454 grams) ripe tomatoes, medium-diced
- ¾ cup (113 grams) black olives, such as kalamata, pitted and diced
- 1 pound (454 grams) feta cheese, medium-diced
- 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Secondary Ingredients:
- 6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 5 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- 1 cup (30 grams) packed flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, diced
- 1 teaspoon capers, drained
Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Fill a spacious pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Submerge the pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes or according to package instructions until al dente. Carefully drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the salad base by combining the cooled pasta with ripe cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and intensely flavored sun-dried tomato pieces in a large mixing bowl.
- Create a vibrant dressing by combining sun-dried tomatoes, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves, tangy capers, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a food processor. Pulse the ingredients until the mixture reaches a slightly chunky, emulsified consistency.
- Drizzle the aromatic dressing over the pasta mixture, ensuring even coating. Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped Italian parsley. Gently toss all ingredients to distribute flavors and dressing thoroughly, creating a harmonious Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad.
Notes
- Elevate flavor by selecting premium feta cheese from local markets or specialty stores.
- Prevent soggy textures by allowing pasta to cool completely before combining with fresh ingredients.
- Create balanced taste profiles by tasting and adjusting seasonings gradually with small pinches of salt and cracked pepper.
- Maximize freshness by chopping vegetables just before mixing to retain crisp textures and vibrant colors.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to two days, understanding that herbs and delicate vegetables might lose their initial crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg