When the sun shines bright and the breeze is gentle, I yearn for a cool, tasty dish. My favorite is an easy pasta salad with black olives. It’s ideal for picnics, pool parties, or a cozy dinner at home.
This salad is loved by all, thanks to its mix of fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, and creamy provolone cheese. Salami and pepperoni add savory flavors. But the black olives are the real highlight, bringing a salty taste to each bite. This salad will make you feel like you’re in Italy.
Table of contents
- Simple Pasta Salad with Black Olives
- Ingredients for Flavorful Pasta Salad
- Instructions: How to Make Pasta Salad
- Zesty Homemade Pasta Salad Dressing
- Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Ideas
- Serving Suggestions for Pasta Salad
- simple pasta salad with black olives
- Nutrition Facts and Recipe Card
- Variations and Substitutions
- Conclusion
Simple Pasta Salad with Black Olives
Pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. This simple pasta salad with black olives is easy to make and full of flavor. It’s great as a side dish or a main course.
The recipe has only seven ingredients and takes 25 minutes to prepare. Cook the pasta al dente, then mix it with a zesty Italian vinaigrette, crunchy veggies, and savory black olives. This easy pasta salad is vibrant and flavorful, perfect for any event.
“This pasta salad is a summer staple in our household. It’s so easy to make and pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a light main dish. The black olives add a delicious salty contrast to the fresh vegetables.”
Looking for a pasta salad recipe for a potluck or a simple side for your next barbecue? Try this simple pasta salad with black olives. It’s versatile and loved by many, making it perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients for Flavorful Pasta Salad
To make a tasty pasta salad, you need several key ingredients. These include the pasta, fresh veggies, and creamy cheeses. Each one is important for a great dish.
Pasta Varieties for Pasta Salad
There are many pasta shapes and sizes that are great for salads. Here are some favorites:
- Fusilli: These corkscrew noodles catch the dressing well.
- Penne: Its tubular shape holds flavors nicely.
- Rotini: Tri-color rotini is vibrant and fun.
- Farfalle: Known as “bow tie” pasta, it’s whimsical and perfect for salads.
Veggies for Fresh Crunch
Adding fresh veggies makes your pasta salad crisp and refreshing. Try these:
- Cherry tomatoes: They’re juicy and add flavor and color.
- Bell peppers: Sweet and crunchy, they brighten the salad.
- Zucchini: Shredded or diced, it adds a nice crunch.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced, they add a subtle onion taste.
Cheeses to Add Creaminess
Creamy cheeses balance the salad’s textures and flavors. Here are some good choices:
- Mozzarella: Shredded or diced, it’s rich and creamy.
- Parmesan: Grated or shredded, it’s savory and nutty.
Choosing the right pasta varieties, veggies, and cheeses makes a delicious pasta salad. It will surely please your taste buds.
Instructions: How to Make Pasta Salad
Making the perfect pasta salad is a fun journey. Begin by cooking the pasta until it’s just right. Boil the 1-pound cellentani pasta in salted water for about 12 minutes. Then, drain and rinse it with cold water to keep it firm.
Preparing the Veggies and Mix-Ins
While the pasta cools, start chopping the veggies and mix-ins. Use a sharp knife to create a colorful mix. Cut 1 medium green pepper, slice 1 cup cherry tomatoes, and mince 1/4 cup red onion.
Also, chop 1 cup broccoli florets and slice 1 cup green olives. Cube 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup salami, and 1/2 cup banana peppers. Add 1 cup mini pepperoni cubes to the mix.
Once the pasta and veggies are ready, mix everything in a big bowl. Toss the pasta, veggies, and mix-ins until they’re well combined. Now, it’s time for the zesty dressing that will bring it all together.
“The key to a truly satisfying pasta salad is finding the perfect balance of flavors and textures. By carefully selecting and preparing the ingredients, you can create a dish that delights the senses and leaves your guests coming back for more.”
Zesty Homemade Pasta Salad Dressing
The dressing is what makes a pasta salad truly special. This homemade dressing brings a zesty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. It’s made with red wine vinegar, olive oil, and dried herbs, making it the highlight of the salad.
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup avocado oil or grapeseed oil
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Dressing Preparation
To make the homemade pasta salad dressing, just mix all the ingredients in a bowl. The pasta salad dressing ingredients include oils, vinegars, and herbs. This mix creates a zesty and flavorful base for your pasta salad. Once ready, toss it with the pasta and other salad ingredients until everything is coated evenly.
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
Making the perfect pasta salad is all about the details. Whether you’re making a classic Italian pasta salad or trying new flavors, these tips will help. You’ll create a dish that’s both tasty and looks great, impressing everyone.
- Rinse the Cooked Pasta: After boiling, rinse the pasta under cold water. This removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy and clumping.
- Let it Chill: Chill the pasta salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors mix, making the dish more cohesive and delicious.
- Make it Ahead: Pasta salad tastes better the next day. It’s best to make it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until serving.
- Balance the Ingredients: Aim for a mix of 40% pasta, 25% veggies, 10% cheese, 15% olives and pepperoncini, 5% herbs, and 2.5% each for salt, pepper, and dressing. This balance ensures a harmonious mix of flavors and textures.
- Customize to Your Taste: Swap in your favorite pasta shapes, veggies, and cheeses. This way, you can make a pasta salad that you love.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the best pasta salad. It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
| Ingredient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Pasta | 40% |
| Vegetables | 25% |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 10% |
| Olives and Pepperoncini | 15% |
| Herbs | 5% |
| Salt and Pepper | 2.5% each |
| Italian Dressing | 2.5% |
Remember these ingredient ratios for a perfectly balanced pasta salad. It will have just the right flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Ideas
This make-ahead pasta salad is great for meal prep or potlucks. You can make it a day before and keep it in the fridge. This way, the flavors mix better, making it taste even better.
To serve, just add a bit of the saved dressing. This keeps your meal prep pasta salad fresh and tasty, even after chilling.
It’s perfect for busy days or surprise parties. You get a healthy meal or side dish without the stress of last-minute prep.
“The make-ahead nature of this pasta salad makes it a lifesaver for meal prepping or entertaining. It’s so easy to prepare in advance and the flavors just get better with time.”
It’s perfect for lunches or a backyard BBQ. Its ability to stay fresh in the fridge and keep its taste makes it a kitchen time-saver.
Serving Suggestions for Pasta Salad
This easy pasta salad with black olives is great as a side dish. It goes well with many main courses. It’s perfect for a backyard barbecue or a casual summer party.
Grilling fans will love it with burgers, chicken, or ribs. Its cool texture matches the smoky flavors of grilled foods. You can also serve it with sandwiches, baked salmon, or grilled shrimp for a light meal.
This pasta salad is great chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for summer events because it stays just right. Just scoop it into bowls or put it on a buffet table for everyone to enjoy.
Pair it with a fresh green salad or a light fruit salad for a complete meal. The mix of flavors and textures will delight your guests. They’ll want more!
“This pasta salad is a summer staple in the Midwest and the perfect side dish for any casual gathering.”
simple pasta salad with black olives
This simple pasta salad with black olives is a classic and flavorful dish perfect for summer. It combines hearty pasta, fresh veggies, tangy olives, and creamy cheeses. It’s easy to make and always a hit at barbecues or picnics.
Tri-colored rotini is the most used pasta shape, and black olives are the preferred choice. Orange or yellow bell peppers and English cucumbers add freshness and crunch. Fusilli, farfalle, rotini, or penne are great for holding dressing.
Cooking pasta until it’s al dente is key. This keeps it firm for the dressing. After cooling, toss it with a zesty Italian dressing. This dressing combines olive oil, vinegar, and Italian seasoning.
“The secret to this simple pasta salad with black olives is in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The hearty pasta, crunchy vegetables, and tangy olives come together seamlessly, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.”
This olive pasta salad can be made ahead and stored for up to 5 days. It tastes best in the first 3 days. You can add chickpeas, shredded chicken, salami, or pepperoni for extra protein. But, don’t freeze it as it can change the taste and texture.
A single serving of this simple pasta salad with black olives has 211.3 calories. It has 18.9g of carbs, 3.9g of protein, and 15g of fat. It’s a balanced dish that can be a main course or a side.
Nutrition Facts and Recipe Card
This easy pasta salad with black olives is not just tasty but also good for you. A single serving has 363 calories, 19.1 grams of fat, and 36.6 grams of carbs. It also has 11.7 grams of protein.
It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This is thanks to the fresh veggies and whole-grain pasta in the recipe.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 363 |
| Total Fat | 19.1g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 618mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 36.6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 11.7g |
Get the full recipe card to make this tasty pasta salad at home. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures in this pasta salad recipe!
Variations and Substitutions
This easy pasta salad with black olives is tasty just the way it is. But, you can make it your own by trying different pasta shapes. You can also swap out the veggies or change the cheese and olives. For a veggie-only option, just skip the salami and pepperoni.
This pasta salad is super versatile. You can use your favorite ingredients to make it unique. Try using farfalle (bow-tie), penne, or whole wheat pasta for a healthier choice.
Veggie Variations
- Swap out the bell peppers for diced cucumber or zucchini.
- Add chopped spinach, arugula, or basil for extra greenery.
- Incorporate diced carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower for more crunch.
Cheese and Meat Substitutions
- Substitute the mozzarella with crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese.
- Replace the pepperoni with cubed ham, salami, or grilled chicken.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add chickpeas or diced avocado.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Tri-Colored Rotini Pasta | Farfalle, Penne, Whole Wheat Pasta |
| Bell Peppers | Cucumber, Zucchini, Spinach, Arugula, Basil, Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower |
| Mozzarella Cheese | Feta, Cheddar |
| Pepperoni | Ham, Salami, Grilled Chicken, Chickpeas, Avocado |
This pasta salad is perfect for getting creative. You can change up the veggies, cheeses, or proteins. It’s all about making it your own.
Conclusion
The easy pasta salad with black olives is a great choice for summer events. It’s full of flavor, thanks to pasta, veggies, cheeses, and a tangy dressing. This simple pasta salad with black olives is loved by all, making it perfect for any meal.
You can make it your own by adding different ingredients. Try black olives, broccoli, mini pepperoni, or shredded chicken. It’s ready in under 25 minutes, ideal for when you’re in a hurry. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a tasty salad ready to enjoy with grilled foods.
Make this easy pasta salad with black olives a part of your summer. It’s a mix of great tastes and textures. Plus, it’s easy to make, making it a favorite for any meal.