Tomato Feta Pasta Salad
This vibrant pasta salad combines al dente fusilli with fresh tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. A robust sun-dried tomato and caper dressing ties it all together, finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley. It's an easy, flavorful dish perfect for a crowd or a refreshing lunch.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For cooking pasta
- 1 Colander For draining pasta
- 1 Chef's knife For dicing ingredients
- 1 Cutting Board For preparing ingredients
- 1 Food Processor For blending the dressing
Ingredients
Main
- 1/2 pound fusilli spirals pasta
- Kosher salt
- Good olive oil
- 1 pound ripe tomatoes medium-diced
- 3/4 cup good black olives such as kalamata, pitted and diced
- 1 pound good feta cheese medium-diced
- 6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and chopped
- 5 sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 6 tablespoons good olive oil
- 1 garlic clove diced
- 1 teaspoon capers drained
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 cup packed flat-leaf parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water with a splash of oil to keep it from sticking together. Boil for 12 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain well and allow to cool. Place the pasta in a bowl and add the tomatoes, olives, feta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- For the dressing, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, capers, salt and pepper in a food processor until almost smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta, sprinkle with the Parmesan and parsley, and toss well.
Notes
Achieving the perfect pasta texture is paramount; cook your fusilli al dente for a delightful bite that holds up well in a cold salad. After draining, avoid rinsing the pasta as the starch helps the dressing adhere better. Ensure your tomatoes are ripe and flavorful, and choose a high-quality feta for the best creamy, salty notes. The dressing benefits significantly from good olive oil and fresh garlic. For an enhanced experience, allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more harmonious and delicious final dish. Consider garnishing with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for presentation.