The Best Summer Pasta Salad Recipe for Fresh Backyard Gatherings

Whipping up a delightful pasta salad can turn an ordinary meal into a vibrant culinary adventure.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each colorful bite, creating a refreshing experience.

Cool noodles intermingle with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs, promising a delectable journey.

Fresh ingredients bring unexpected textures and bright notes to this classic dish.

Summer gatherings become more memorable with this simple yet sophisticated creation.

Crunchy bell peppers, tangy olives, and tender pasta combine in a harmonious blend that surprises and satisfies.

Grab your fork and prepare to be amazed by this irresistible recipe.

Why Mary Berry Pasta Salad Is A Refreshing Pick

• Quick Prep Power
• Versatile Veggie Delight: Pack in colorful vegetables and customize with whatever fresh produce you have on hand, making it a flexible recipe for any season.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings where you need a dish that appeals to multiple taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Flavor-Packed Performance: Combine zesty lemon, herbs, and tangy feta to create a vibrant dish that elevates basic pasta into a memorable culinary experience.

Everything You Need For Mary Berry Pasta Salad

• Pasta: A classic choice for a light and refreshing salad that serves as the main foundation of the dish.

• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Adds a smooth, rich base that helps blend all the flavors together.
• Mustard: Brings a subtle sharp and creamy element to the dressing.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic depth to the overall taste.

• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the salad.
• Red Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the dish.
• Fresh Herbs: Contribute a fresh and vibrant green note to the pasta salad.

• Mixed Vegetables: Provide crunch, color, and additional nutritional value to the salad.
• Pine Nuts: Introduce a rich, buttery texture and nutty flavor.

• Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the other ingredients and provides a Mediterranean touch.

Instructions For Making Mary Berry Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare Boiling Liquid

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Carefully drop the pasta into the boiling water. Cook until the pasta is slightly softer than al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Craft Vibrant Dressing

• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh herbs
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Sea salt

Whisk these ingredients together, then slowly stream in olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing becomes smooth and emulsified.

Step 4: Cool Down Pasta

Drain the pasta in a colander. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil and spread on a large baking sheet. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

• Cooled pasta
• Chopped fresh vegetables
• Additional fresh herbs
• Toasted pine nuts

Step 6: Dress and Toss

Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Use a large spoon to softly toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated.

Step 7: Finish with Feta

Just before serving, crumble fresh feta cheese over the top of the pasta salad. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors.

Helpful Tips For Mary Berry Pasta Salad

• Pasta Perfectly Al Dente: Cook pasta slightly softer than usual to help it absorb dressing and prevent hardening when chilled.
• Dress While Warm: Toss pasta with olive oil immediately after draining to prevent sticking and help it absorb flavors more effectively.
• Herb Boost Technique: Chop fresh herbs right before adding to maintain maximum flavor and vibrant color in the salad.
• Chill and Marinate: Let the pasta salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
• Texture Balance: Toast pine nuts lightly to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.

Fun Ways To Tweak Mary Berry Pasta Salad

• Mediterranean Protein Boost: Replace pine nuts with grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein and a heartier meal.
• Vegan Herb Celebration: Swap feta with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles, use plant-based mayo instead of olive oil for creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use quinoa or rice pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the dish.
• Low-Carb Veggie Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice, keeping the vibrant dressing and herb profile intact.

Perfect Pairings With Mary Berry Pasta Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the bright, herbal notes of the pasta salad. Its acidity cuts through the richness of feta and balances the lemony dressing.
• Serve with Grilled Protein: Add a side of lemon-herb grilled chicken or Mediterranean-style shrimp to transform the pasta salad into a complete, satisfying meal. The protein enhances the salad's flavors and adds nutritional depth.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Grab a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the zesty dressing. The bread's texture provides a delightful contrast to the soft pasta and adds a wonderful crunch to the dining experience.

How To Store Mary Berry Pasta Salad The Right Way

• Store pasta salad in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Keep dressing separate from salad until serving to maintain crisp vegetable texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Warm gently in microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and prevent overheating.
• Let chilled pasta salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors and restore original texture.

FAQs On Mary Berry Pasta Salad

• Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad 1-2 days in advance. Keep the dressing and pasta separate until serving to prevent sogginess, and store in the refrigerator.

• Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so adjust accordingly to prevent overpowering the dish.

• What if I'm allergic to pine nuts?

Replace pine nuts with alternatives like sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, or pumpkin seeds. These provide similar crunch and nutty flavor without compromising the salad’s texture.

Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Mediterranean Pasta Salad brings summer’s fresh flavors to your table with zesty herbs and crisp vegetables. Packed with tangy feta, kalamata olives, and al dente pasta, you’ll savor each colorful bite of this light, refreshing dish.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Proteins:

• 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 heaping cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups arugula
• 1 cup Persian cucumbers, sliced into thin half-moons
• 1 cup basil leaves, torn
• 1/2 cup minced parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped mint
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, more for drizzling
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence, or dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook pasta until slightly softer than al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes.
2. While pasta cooks, create a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking together freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil until emulsified.
3. Drain pasta in a colander, then transfer to a wide mixing bowl. Drizzle with a light coating of olive oil and allow to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Incorporate crisp, chopped vegetables, additional fresh herbs, and toasted pine nuts into the cooled pasta, creating a colorful and textured base.
5. Pour prepared vinaigrette over the pasta mixture, gently folding to ensure even distribution of flavors without breaking the pasta.
6. Just moments before serving, crumble tangy feta cheese over the top, creating a final layer of creamy, salty complexity to the dish.

Notes

• Overcook pasta slightly for better absorption of dressing, preventing a dry salad texture.
• Use fresh herbs for vibrant, zesty flavor that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Chill pasta completely before mixing to help ingredients bind and develop deeper flavors.
• Substitute pine nuts with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for budget-friendly or nut-allergy friendly alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 368 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 265 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg