Go Back
+ servings
Mediterranean Pasta Salad on a plate, garnished with fresh basil
Print

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

The salty olives, soft cheese, and chewy noodles in Mediterranean pasta salad make this dish your perfect escape in a bowl!
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Keyword How Do I make Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe, How To Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 852kcal
Author Kathleen

Ingredients

Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic
  • 1/4 cup shallots finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2/3 cups olive oil

Salad:

  • 1 pound box penne pasta
  • 1 large red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup pitted black olives drained
  • 1 cup pitted Italian green olives drained
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 2 (8-ounce containers) fresh mozzarella ball in the water drained and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 (10-ounce container) grape tomatoes cut in half
  • 1 cup fresh basil julienned

Instructions

  • Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions and drain well. 
  • While pasta is still warm, toss it in the mixing bowl with dressing. Allow pasta to cool.
  • When pasta has cooled to room temperature, stir in the next 8 ingredients (everything but the basil) and toss. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.
  • When ready to serve, add fresh basil and toss. Adjust seasoning and add olive oil, if needed. Serve

Nutrition

Serving: 1/6 of the recipe | Calories: 852kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 1525mg | Potassium: 760mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1550IU | Vitamin C: 49.7mg | Calcium: 273mg | Iron: 2.8mg