Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Pesto and Feta
This delightful Mediterranean Pasta Salad combines the vibrant flavors of basil pesto, creamy feta cheese, and sweet roasted red peppers, creating a dish that is perfect for any occasion. Ideal as a comforting hot meal, it transforms effortlessly into a refreshing cold salad for summer picnics or meal preps during the week. With its colorful presentation and generous portion size, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike, providing a delicious way to incorporate wholesome ingredients into your diet.
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
farfalle pasta
16 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
feta cheese
8 ounces (crumbled)
basil pesto
7 ounces (ready to use)
roasted red peppers
7 ounces (drained and finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled feta cheese, basil pesto, and chopped roasted red peppers.
3
Toss gently until the pasta is well coated with the pesto and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Serve immediately for a warm dish, or cover and refrigerate to enjoy as a chilled salad later.
5
For best flavor, allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Pesto and Feta?
It is a vibrant dish that combines basil pesto, creamy feta cheese, and roasted red peppers with farfalle pasta for a versatile meal.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 16 ounces of farfalle pasta, also known as bow-tie pasta.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe provides approximately 6 to 8 servings.
Can I serve this dish hot?
Yes, it can be served immediately after mixing as a comforting hot meal.
Can this be eaten as a cold salad?
Absolutely, it transforms easily into a refreshing cold salad perfect for summer picnics.
What are the four main ingredients?
The main ingredients are farfalle pasta, feta cheese, basil pesto, and roasted red peppers.
How much feta cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
What kind of pesto is recommended?
The recipe suggests 7 ounces of ready-to-use basil pesto.
How should the roasted red peppers be prepared?
The peppers should be drained and finely chopped before adding them to the pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it can be stored and enjoyed cold throughout the week.
How long should the salad marinate if serving cold?
For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How do I cook the pasta?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle according to package instructions until al dente.
What is the first step in combining the ingredients?
Drain the cooked pasta and place it into a large mixing bowl with the feta, pesto, and peppers.
How do I ensure the pasta is well coated?
Toss the mixture gently until the pesto is evenly distributed and the pasta is fully coated.
Can I add protein to this dish?
While not in the base recipe, you can easily add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
What is the weight of the roasted red peppers required?
The recipe requires 7 ounces of roasted red peppers.
Is this recipe easy to scale?
Yes, the simple 4-ingredient base makes it very easy to double for larger gatherings.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes, while the recipe suggests ready-to-use pesto, homemade basil pesto would provide excellent flavor.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be covered and kept in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, other short pastas like rotini or penne can be used as substitutes for farfalle.
What makes this a Mediterranean dish?
The combination of feta cheese, pesto, and roasted peppers provides traditional Mediterranean flavors.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
The instructions suggest draining the pasta, but keeping it warm helps it absorb the pesto if serving immediately.
Is there any salt added to the recipe?
Salt is used in the pasta boiling water; the feta and pesto usually provide enough salt for the rest of the dish.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad is creamy from the feta and pesto with a slight bite from the al dente pasta and peppers.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Fresh basil or parsley would be a great addition to enhance the vibrant flavors.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
No, it contains feta cheese and typically parmesan in the pesto, so it is not dairy-free.
How much total pasta is needed by weight?
You need 16 ounces, which is typically one standard box or bag of pasta.
Is this a good dish for summer?
Yes, its ability to be served as a chilled salad makes it ideal for warm weather.
Can I add olives to this recipe?
Yes, Kalamata olives would be a perfect addition to complement the existing Mediterranean ingredients.