Amazing Olive Pasta Salad

This Amazing Olive Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of flavors and textures, featuring rotini pasta, Castelvetrano olives, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a tangy, zesty dressing. This Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad is quick and easy to make, ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish for any summer gathering. Tossed in a homemade dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and Dijon mustard, it’s a flavorful and versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your preferences. Serve this healthy pasta salad with grilled chicken, seafood, or enjoy it on its own for a light, satisfying meal!

This vibrant and delicious Olive Pasta Salad combines tender rotini, tangy olives, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella for a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tossed with a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a flavorful, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:

• 16 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
• ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp reserved sun-dried tomato oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
   • Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions.
   • Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large salad bowl.
2. Assemble the Salad:
   • To the bowl with the cooled pasta, add the sliced Castelvetrano olives, Kalamata olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheese. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, reserved sun-dried tomato oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
4. Combine:
   • Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to coat.
   • Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

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Tips

• For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
• To prevent the pasta from sticking, rinse it under cold water immediately after draining.
• Customize the salad with your favorite add-ins, such as cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap rotini for bowtie or penne pasta.
• Replace mozzarella with feta or goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
• Use green olives if Castelvetrano olives are unavailable.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator, as the flavors have time to blend.

How long does this pasta salad last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
• Add grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken to make it a complete meal.
• Pair with crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine for a light, summery meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s quick and easy to make.
• Perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
• Packed with bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Fully customizable to suit your preferences!