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mediterranean pasta salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad loaded with arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and a zesty basil pesto dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz. pasta (penne or any small shape)
  • 1 jar marinated artichoke hearts (12 oz, drained and roughly chopped)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons of oil)
  • ½ cup kalamata olives chopped
  • 3 Tbsp. capers rinsed to remove excess salt
  • ¼ cup scallions sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 cup fresh arugula roughly chopped
  • cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 3 Tbsp. pine nuts
  • 3 Tbsp. basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • cup olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. reserved sun-dried tomato oil
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
HOMECOOKIN Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart Digital Programmable Slow Cookers with Timer
Ninja Air Fryer with Air Crisp | 5 QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of Fries | 4-in-1 Pro
Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus Air Fryer, 6-in-1
Cuisinart Stand Mixer, 12 Speed, 5.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl, Chef’s Whisk, Mixing Paddle, Dough Hook, Splash Guard w/ Pour Spout, White Linen, SM-50NAS, Manual

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and drain thoroughly. Spread on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, capers, scallions, and parsley. Toss gently to distribute ingredients.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together basil pesto, olive oil, reserved sun-dried tomato oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Add arugula, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts to the salad bowl. Drizzle with the pesto dressing and toss gently to combine.

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Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Keyword pasta salad