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Nagi’s Big, Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

Nagi’s Big, Easy Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender bow tie pasta, fresh cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and crumbly Greek feta. Tossed in a zesty dressing of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, and honey, this refreshing pasta salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 500g (1 lb) bow tie pasta (farfalle) or other short/medium pasta

Vegetables & Cheese

  • 2 cucumbers, halved lengthways and finely sliced (~17cm/7″ long, sliced 2mm / 1/16″)
  • 3 cups (500g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (or 4 regular tomatoes chopped)
  • 1/3 cup roughly chopped Kalamata olives (from 3/4 cup whole pitted or 1/2 cup sliced, then chopped)
  • 200g (7oz) Greek feta, cut into 6mm / 1/4″ batons
  • 1 packed cup basil leaves, torn by hand

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 2 tsp honey (or substitute maple syrup or 1 tsp sugar)
  • 1 1/2 tsp Italian herbs mix
  • 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a large jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian herbs mix, salt, and black pepper. Shake well until all ingredients are fully blended. The dressing will be sharp initially, mellowing once mixed with the pasta.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until very soft, about 2 to 3 minutes longer than package instructions. This ensures the pasta remains tender even when served cold.
  3. Drain and Dress the Pasta: Thoroughly drain the pasta, shaking off excess water. Transfer the pasta into a large bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the pasta, toss well, and allow the pasta to soak up the flavors as it cools for approximately 40 minutes.
  4. Add the Vegetables and Feta: Once the pasta has cooled and absorbed the dressing, add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, chopped Kalamata olives, and cubed feta cheese to the bowl.
  5. Toss and Finish: Pour the remaining dressing over the salad and toss to combine all ingredients evenly. Gently fold in the torn basil leaves and give one final toss to distribute the herb.
  6. Serve: Transfer the pasta salad into a large serving bowl and serve immediately. Enjoy this fresh, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.

Notes

  • Note 1: Use any short or medium pasta if bow tie (farfalle) is unavailable.
  • Note 2: Basil can be substituted with fresh mint or parsley for variation.
  • Note 3: Apple cider vinegar gives a sharp acidity; white wine vinegar can be used as a milder alternative.
  • Note 4: Honey provides subtle sweetness; maple syrup or a small amount of sugar works in place.
  • Note 5: Italian herbs mix typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Keywords: easy pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, bow tie pasta recipe, summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/nagis-big-easy-pasta-salad-recipe/