Easy and Delicious Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors and pasta salads, then you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, we’ll be sharing a delicious recipe for Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad. Packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with vibrant flavors, this salad is perfect for a summer picnic, potluck, or any occasion where you want to impress your family and friends with a tasty and refreshing dish.
Ingredients
To make Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your own Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and basil. Toss well to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the vegetables and mix well, ensuring all the vegetables are coated.
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix as this may break the pasta.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad and give it a final toss. The creamy, tangy feta cheese adds the perfect finishing touch to this Mediterranean pasta salad.
Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill. This salad can be made a day in advance, making it a convenient option for parties or gatherings.
Garnish with some extra parsley and feta cheese before serving, if desired.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Certainly! The recipe calls for rotini or penne pasta, but you can use any shape or type of pasta you prefer. Fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti would work well in this salad. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions and adjust the cooking time if needed.
2. Can I omit any of the ingredients?
Feel free to customize this recipe to your taste preferences. If you’re not a fan of olives, you can omit them or replace them with another ingredient such as artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes. Similarly, if you don’t have certain vegetables on hand, you can substitute them with others, keeping in mind the overall Mediterranean flavor profile.
3. Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better when allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. The flavors have time to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and flavorful dish. Just make sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
4. Can I add protein to this salad?
Certainly! If you’d like to add some protein to this Mediterranean pasta salad, you can incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Just cook your protein of choice separately and toss it with the rest of the ingredients before serving.
5. How long will this pasta salad stay fresh?
This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may become a bit softer the longer it sits. If you plan on making it in advance, it’s best to refresh the salad with a little extra dressing and toss it again before serving.
So there you have it – a mouthwatering Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe that’s sure to impress. Give it a try and watch it become a crowd favorite at your next gathering. Enjoy!
