Description
Dirty Martini Pasta Salad is a vibrant and tangy pasta dish inspired by the flavors of a classic dirty martini cocktail. Featuring pasta, green olives, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing made with olive brine, garlic, and lemon, this salad is refreshing and perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- ½ pound pasta of choice
- 1 cup pitted large green olives, roughly chopped
- 100 g feta cheese, cubed or blue cheese crumbles
Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup olive brine
- 1 clove fresh minced garlic
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Juice of ¼ lemon
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of lightly salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small mason jar, combine the olive oil, olive brine, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, roughly chopped green olives, and feta cheese cubes or blue cheese crumbles. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the salad and add more black pepper, lemon juice, or salt if needed, keeping in mind the salty feta and brine. For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Lightly salt the pasta cooking water but avoid adding salt to the salad until after tasting because the olive brine and feta add significant saltiness.
- Green olives are traditional for this recipe, but any olive variety can be substituted based on preference.
- The pasta type used is Mafalda Corta by Garofalo, but you can use other pasta shapes or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
