Ah, the vibrant flavors of Provence! They remind me of sun-soaked afternoons spent lounging outside with friends, where the air is filled with the delightful aroma of fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes. This Provencal Pasta Salad with Olives is the perfect companion for those warm days, bursting with refreshing tastes that transport you straight to the French countryside. I can still picture the first time I made a pasta salad like this; it was a picnic at the park, and everyone raved about the tangy olives and juicy cherry tomatoes. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll feel like you’re savoring a piece of summer, no matter the season!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces of uncooked pasta (your choice, but I love using fusilli or penne for this salad)
- 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes (these add such a sweet pop of flavor)
- 1/2 cup of pitted and sliced black olives (the brininess is just perfection)
- 1/2 cup of pitted and sliced green olives (for that extra zing!)
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion (it gives a nice crunch and bite)
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped (I can’t get enough of that fresh herb flavor)
- 1/4 cup of olive oil (use the good stuff; it makes a difference!)
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar (this adds a delightful tang)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this—seasoning is key!)
How to Prepare Provencal Pasta Salad with Olives
Cook the Pasta
First things first, let’s cook that pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add in your 8 ounces of uncooked pasta. Follow the package instructions for the perfect al dente texture—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This is key to keeping the pasta from getting mushy. Let it cool while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
Combine the Vegetables
In a large bowl, toss together your vibrant ingredients. You’ll want to add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of pitted and sliced black olives, 1/2 cup of pitted and sliced green olives, and 1/4 cup of diced red onion. And don’t forget that 1/4 cup of freshly chopped basil—it’s like summer in a bowl! Give everything a gentle mix, ensuring those flavors mingle beautifully.
Make the Dressing
Now, let’s whip up that dressing! In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. I like to taste the dressing before adding it to the salad to make sure it’s just right—you want that perfect balance of tangy and smooth!
Assemble the Salad
Okay, it’s the moment we’ve been waiting for! Take that cooled pasta and add it to your bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and give everything a good toss until the pasta is coated and all the veggies are nicely distributed. It’ll look so colorful and inviting!
Chill Before Serving
To really let those flavors develop, cover the salad and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Trust me, this chilling time makes a world of difference. When you’re ready to dig in, you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing burst of Provençal goodness!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into this delightful Provencal Pasta Salad with Olives, it’s good to know what you’re putting into your body! Just a quick note: the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these estimates a helpful guideline.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 6g
Feeling good about this dish yet? It’s not just tasty; it packs a nutritious punch too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make—perfect for those busy days when you still want something delicious!
- Loaded with vibrant flavors that transport you straight to the sunny South of France.
- Refreshing and light, making it a fantastic dish for warm weather gatherings.
- Versatile—enjoy it as a side or add proteins to make it a hearty main dish.
- Great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find and can be customized to your liking.
Tips for Success
- Go Whole Grain: For a healthier twist, try using whole grain pasta. It adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber!
- Add Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese is a fantastic addition. It brings a creamy tang that complements the olives beautifully.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad is perfect for preparing a day in advance. The flavors deepen and meld overnight, making it even tastier!
- Mix Up the Olives: Feel free to experiment with different types of olives. Kalamata or even stuffed olives can add a unique flair.
- Fresh Herbs: If basil isn’t your thing, try using fresh parsley or oregano for a different but equally delightful herbaceous note.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Remember, chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes is key to letting those flavors shine!
Variations
One of the best things about this Provencal Pasta Salad with Olives is its versatility! You can easily make it your own with just a few tweaks. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Different Olives: Try using a mix of olives like kalamata, stuffed green olives, or even some spicy pickled varieties to add a kick!
- Roasted Vegetables: For a heartier version, toss in some roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. The caramelized flavors will elevate the salad to new heights!
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein-packed meal. It transforms the salad from a side dish to a satisfying main course!
- Cheese Variations: Besides feta, crumbled goat cheese or even shaved Parmesan can add a wonderful creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Herb Swaps: Experiment with other fresh herbs! Dill or mint can give the salad a refreshing twist, perfect for summer picnics.
- Citrusy Twist: A splash of lemon juice or some zest can brighten up the salad and enhance all those fresh flavors. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a salad that’s uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what yummy combinations you come up with!
Serving Suggestions
This Provencal Pasta Salad with Olives is super versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! Here are some simple ideas to elevate your meal:
- Grilled Meats: Fire up the grill! This salad makes a fantastic side to grilled chicken, steak, or even fish. The smoky flavors complement the bright, fresh ingredients perfectly.
- Crusty Bread: Serve it alongside a warm, crusty baguette or a slice of ciabatta. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing!
- Cheese Platter: Create a delightful cheese board featuring brie, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar. The creaminess will balance the salad’s tangy notes wonderfully.
- Antipasto Selection: Pair it with a platter of antipasto, including marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and salami. It’ll add an extra touch of Mediterranean flair!
- Simple Grilled Vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies on the grill—zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers are all great choices! They add a smoky, charred flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
- Soup: This salad would be lovely served with a light tomato basil or minestrone soup, making for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your gathering or what you have on hand. The goal is to enjoy a delicious, balanced meal that brings everyone together!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this Provencal Pasta Salad with Olives is super easy, and it actually tastes even better the next day! To keep it fresh, transfer any leftover salad into an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
If you find the salad a bit dry after sitting in the fridge, don’t worry! Just drizzle a little olive oil or a splash of red wine vinegar over it to revive those vibrant flavors. Toss everything together, and you’ll be back in pasta salad paradise in no time!
Now, I wouldn’t recommend reheating this salad since it’s best enjoyed cold, but if you have any grilled vegetables or proteins on the side, feel free to warm those up separately! Enjoy your deliciously refreshing salad throughout the week!
Print
Provencal Pasta Salad with Olives: 5 Vibrant Flavor Secrets
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing pasta salad with olives and fresh vegetables, inspired by Provençal flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, black olives, green olives, red onion, and basil.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix well.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
- Add feta cheese for extra flavor.
- This salad can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Provencal Pasta Salad with Olives
