Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Marinated Artichokes, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Kalamata Olives 🍝🌿

This vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish at any meal. The marinated artichokes, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives come together beautifully with al dente pasta, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Serve this salad chilled, and watch it disappear at your next gathering! 🥗🍅

Ingredients

For the pasta salad

• 2 cups of pasta (penne or farfalle work well)
• 1 jar (14 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

🍝 Rinsing the pasta helps to cool it down and prevents it from sticking together, ensuring a perfect salad consistency.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.

3. Combine pasta and veggies: Add the rinsed pasta to the bowl of vegetables and gently toss to combine.

4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to your taste.

🍋 Adding a splash of lemon juice not only enhances flavor but also helps brighten up the dish.

5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated. Gently fold in the fresh parsley and basil.

6. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light main course!

🥗 Feel free to prep this salad a day in advance. The flavors will deep, and it tastes even better the next day!

Variations

• Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.
• Vegetarian: Keep it entirely plant-based by omitting the feta and replacing it with cubed avocado for creaminess.
• Gluten-free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta for a suitable option.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat.

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is sure to impress with its rich flavors and colorful presentation! Enjoy every flavorful bite! 🌞🍽️