Quick artichoke pasta salad –Today, we are diving into a delightful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends: Artichoke Lover’s Pasta Salad. This vibrant and flavorful salad combines the earthy taste of artichokes with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own. Let’s get started!
Artichoke Lover’s Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is not only easy to make but also versatile. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it a fantastic option for potlucks, summer barbecues, or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and halved
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and black olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Lastly, fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped basil, mixing carefully to prevent the cheese from breaking apart.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold or at room temperature, and enjoy this delicious Artichoke Lover’s Pasta Salad at your next gathering!
With its fresh ingredients and zesty flavor, this salad is bound to be a hit. Feel free to customize it by adding grilled chicken or using different vegetables based on what you have on hand. Enjoy your culinary adventure!