Looking for a unique and flavorful pasta salad recipe? Look no further than this Dirty Martini Pasta Salad! With a tangy olive brine dressing, chunks of feta or blue cheese, and a zesty garlic kick, this dish is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Bold flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Versatile dish that can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Ingredient Notes:

Pasta of choice: Choose your favorite pasta shape for this salad.
Pitted large green olives: Adds a briny and salty flavor to the dish.
Feta cheese or blue cheese crumbles: Provides a creamy and tangy element.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps to create a flavorful dressing.
Olive brine: Adds a unique and savory touch to the dressing.
Fresh minced garlic: Infuses the salad with a delicious garlic flavor.
Lemon: Adds a bright and citrusy note.
Black pepper: Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions based on ½ pound pasta of choice:

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, combine olives, cheese, olive oil, olive brine, garlic, lemon zest, and black pepper.
Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until well coated.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips:

For extra flavor, marinate the olives in the olive brine for a few hours before making the salad.
Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use high-quality olives and cheese for the best flavor.
Adjust the amount of olive brine to suit your taste preferences.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Dirty Martini Pasta Salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Pair with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect summer dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta salad in the microwave or let it come to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or Parmesan.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead of time and chilling until ready to serve.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled shrimp or chicken would be a delicious addition to this salad.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer in this recipe.

Conclusion:

Try out this unique and flavorful Dirty Martini Pasta Salad for your next gathering or weeknight dinner. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy and don’t forget to share your feedback with us!

Dirty Martini Pasta Salad

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A flavorful twist on classic pasta salad, this Dirty Martini Pasta Salad combines briny green olives, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty olive oil dressing for a delicious side dish or light meal.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salads
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

- ½ pound pasta of choice
- 1 cup pitted large green olives roughly chopped
- 100 g feta cheese, cubed or blue cheese crumbles

Dressing:

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup olive brine
1 clove fresh minced garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
Black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, olive brine, minced garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper.
Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped olives, feta cheese, and dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

This pasta salad can be customized with additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or red onion.
For a creamier dressing, add a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.