Amazing Olive Pasta Salad

Here’s a fresh and zesty Amazing Olive Pasta Salad — packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or an easy lunch!

---

🫒🍝 Amazing Olive Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8

---

📝 Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
• ¾ cup black olives, sliced
• ¾ cup green olives, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the dressing:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, olives, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, feta, and herbs.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well blended.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Chill for 30 minutes for best flavor.
5. Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra herbs or feta if desired.

---

✅ Tips:

• Use tri-color pasta for extra visual appeal.
• Add grilled chicken or tuna to make it a full meal.
• Kalamata olives work great too for a bolder flavor.

---

🍝 What Is the Best Pasta for Pasta Salad?

The best types of pasta for pasta salad are short, sturdy shapes that hold dressing and mix-ins well without getting mushy:

• Rotini – spiral shape grabs dressing and add-ins
• Fusilli – similar to rotini, holds up well
• Penne – tubular and firm, great for texture
• Farfalle (bow-tie) – fun shape, slightly lighter
• Elbow macaroni – classic for creamy pasta salads

👉 Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or linguine—they don’t mix evenly and tend to clump.

---

🍽️ What Goes With Pasta Salad?

Pasta salad pairs well with many dishes, especially for picnics, BBQs, or light meals:

Protein Options:

• Grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp
• Burgers or hot dogs
• Deli sandwiches or wraps

Sides & Add-Ons:

• Fresh fruit (watermelon, grapes, or citrus)
• Crudités with dip or hummus
• Corn on the cob or roasted vegetables

Bread:

• Garlic bread, rolls, or pita

---

⏳ Can You Make Pasta Salad the Night Before?

Yes — and it’s actually better that way!
Making pasta salad the night before allows the flavors to blend and soak into the pasta.

Tips:

• Toss with half the dressing before chilling, then add the rest before serving to freshen it up.
• Keep cold and covered in the fridge.
• For best texture, stir in fresh herbs or delicate toppings (like feta) just before serving.

---