Description
Nagi’s Big, Easy Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring soft, flavorful bow tie pasta tossed with a zesty homemade dressing, fresh cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, creamy Greek feta, and aromatic basil leaves. This pasta salad is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a simple, satisfying meal on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 500g / 1 lb bow tie pasta (farfalle) or other short/medium pasta
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cucumbers, halved lengthways and finely sliced (~17cm / 7″ long, sliced 2mm / 1/16″, mandolin recommended)
- 3 cups (500g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (or 4 regular tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 packed cup basil leaves, torn by hand
Other Ingredients
- 1/3 cup roughly chopped Kalamata olives (or 3/4 cup whole pitted or 1/2 cup sliced then chopped)
- 200g / 7oz Greek feta, cut into 6mm / 1/4″ batons
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 herb mix
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian herb mix, salt, and black pepper. Shake well until the dressing is sharp and flavors meld together.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until very soft, about 2-3 minutes longer than the package instructions indicate, tasting to ensure softness as pasta firms up once cooled.
- Drain and Dress Pasta: Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large bowl. Shake the dressing again and pour about two-thirds over the pasta. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly and let it soak up the dressing as it cools for approximately 40 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, chopped Kalamata olives, and feta batons to the bowl with the dressed pasta. Pour the remaining dressing over these ingredients and toss everything together thoroughly.
- Add Basil and Serve: Finally, add the torn basil leaves to the salad and toss gently to combine. Transfer to a large serving bowl and serve immediately or chilled.
Notes
- Note 1: Bow tie pasta is preferred, but you can use other short or medium pasta shapes.
- Note 2: If basil is unavailable, fresh mint or parsley can be used as an alternative for a different flavor.
- Note 3: Apple cider vinegar gives the dressing a nice tang; white wine vinegar can be substituted if preferred.
- Note 4: Honey balances the acidity; maple syrup or a small amount of sugar can replace it.
- Note 5: Use a good quality Italian herb mix for authenticity—you can blend dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and basil if unavailable commercially.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: pasta salad, easy pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, feta pasta salad, bow tie pasta, summer salad
