Looking for a unique and flavorful pasta salad recipe? Look no further than this Dirty Martini Pasta Salad! With its tangy olives, creamy feta cheese, and zesty olive brine dressing, this dish is a must-try for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of flavors in this dish is truly delicious and unlike any other pasta salad you’ve tried.
- This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a last-minute side dish or meal prep for the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Pasta of choice: Choose your favorite pasta shape for this recipe.
- Green olives: Adds a salty and tangy flavor to the salad.
- Feta cheese or blue cheese crumbles: Provides a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used to make the dressing.
- Olive brine: Adds a briny and flavorful kick to the dressing.
- Garlic: Adds a subtle kick of flavor.
- Lemon: Adds a bright and citrusy note.
- Black pepper: Season to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions based on ½ pound pasta of choice:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine olives, cheese, olive oil, olive brine, garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the pasta salad in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
- Add some cherry tomatoes or diced cucumber for a fresh twist.
- Substitute the olives with capers for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality olives and feta cheese for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of olive brine to suit your taste preferences.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice just before serving for a burst of citrus flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This Dirty Martini Pasta Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, seafood, or a simple green salad. Serve with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape for this dish.
- Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
- Yes, this pasta salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Can I omit the olives from this recipe?
- While the olives add a unique flavor to the dish, you can omit them if desired.
- Can I use dried herbs in place of fresh garlic?
- Fresh garlic provides the best flavor in this recipe, but you can use dried garlic powder as a substitute.
Conclusion:
Try this Dirty Martini Pasta Salad for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that will impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this delicious pasta salad at your next gathering!
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Dirty Martini Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dirty Martini Pasta Salad combines the flavors of a classic dirty martini with a pasta salad twist. Tangy green olives, creamy feta or blue cheese, and a zesty olive oil dressing make this dish a unique and delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound pasta of choice
- 1 cup pitted large green olives, roughly chopped
- 100 g feta cheese, cubed or blue cheese crumbles
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup olive brine
- 1 clove fresh minced garlic
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, olive brine, minced garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped olives, and cheese. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding cherry tomatoes, red onions, or fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg