Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for summer gatherings. It's made with paleo pasta, diced zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, kalamata olives, red onion, fresh basil, and parsley. The dressing is a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. The salad is chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, which allows the flavors to meld together.
The origins of this Mediterranean pasta salad are murky, but it is thought to have been created in the early 20th century by Italian immigrants who settled in the United States. These immigrants brought their traditional recipes with them, and over time, these recipes began to be adapted to American ingredients and tastes. The Mediterranean pasta salad is a perfect example of this culinary fusion. It combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with the convenience and affordability of American ingredients. Today, this salad is a popular dish at summer gatherings and picnics, and it is a staple of many Mediterranean-inspired restaurants.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad Mediterranean Pasta Salad Mediterranean Pasta Salad Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound paleo pasta
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water.
  3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, zucchini, bell peppers, olives, red onion, basil, and parsley.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why It Works
  • The combination of paleo pasta, diced zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, kalamata olives, red onion, fresh basil, and parsley creates a colorful and flavorful dish.
  • The simple vinaigrette dressing is light and refreshing, and it allows the flavors of the vegetables to shine through.
  • Chilling the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together.