– **Title**: Dirty Martini Pasta Salad
– **Ingredients**:
– 8 oz rotini pasta
– 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup capers, drained
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup vodka
– 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– **Instructions**:
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced green olives, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, capers, parsley, and mozzarella balls.
3. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vodka, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the olive mixture and gently toss to combine.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix thoroughly until even coated.
6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve chilled, garnishing with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your Dirty Martini Pasta Salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Farfalle Pasta: This bowtie-shaped pasta is not just cute; it holds dressing and flavors well. If you can’t find farfalle, feel free to swap it for rotini, penne, or any pasta you enjoy. Just ensure it’s a shape that can trap the sauce!
Green Olives: These are crucial for that “dirty” martini flavor. If you’re not a fan of green olives, you can use black olives or skip them altogether for a different taste. Just remember to adjust for salt since olives can be quite salty.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds creaminess and tang. If you need a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu with a splash of lemon juice for flavor. Another good substitute is goat cheese for a similar texture and taste.
Olive Brine: This ingredient packs a punch of saltiness and flavor. If you don’t have olive brine, a dash of white vinegar can work in a pinch. It’s also a great way to add some zing to the dressing!
How Do You Ensure Your Pasta Salad is Packed with Flavor?
The key to a tasty pasta salad lies in how you combine your ingredients and seasonings. Start with well-cooked pasta—al dente is the way to go so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed with the dressing. Don’t forget to rinse it under cold water; this stops the cooking and keeps the pasta firm.
- Mix your dressing well so the garlic and spices are evenly distributed. Adjust the seasoning before you chill the salad to concentrate those flavors.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together nicely. Feel free to taste and add more brine or oil for extra flavor.
Finally, a gentle toss before serving ensures your salad looks fresh and appetizing. Enjoy your creation!
How to Make Dirty Martini Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta)
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup feta cheese, cubed
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive brine (from the jar of olives)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 40 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking and preparing the salad, and then another 30 minutes chilling it in the refrigerator to let the flavors combine. It’s a quick and refreshing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.
2. Combine the Key Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved green olives, and cubed feta cheese. This mixture brings together those amazing flavors that will shine in the salad!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive brine, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re adding them for a little kick). Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. This dressing will really bring the salad together.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated in that delicious dressing. It should look colorful and flavorful!
5. Chill and Adjust Seasoning:
Now, it’s time to let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those yummy flavors to meld together. After it has chilled, give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a tangier flavor, feel free to add more olive brine or a splash of olive oil.
6. Serve with a Garnish:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to make sure everything is mixed well again. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and some extra flavor. Enjoy your Dirty Martini Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute farfalle with any pasta shape you enjoy, such as penne or fusilli. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the pasta type, so follow the package instructions for al dente results.
What if I Don’t Have Green Olives?
If green olives aren’t available, you can use black olives instead for a different flavor profile. Just remember that black olives have a milder taste than green olives, so consider adding a bit more olive brine to your dressing if you want to maintain that tangy flavor!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian or Vegan?
This salad is already vegetarian! To make it vegan, simply skip the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also add in some chickpeas for extra protein and creaminess.
How Should I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, so it may taste even better the next day! Just give it a good stir before serving again.
