Description
Dirty Martini Pasta Salad is a zesty Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad made with gluten-free pasta, briny green olives, feta cheese, lemon, garlic, and olive oil. It is an easy make-ahead side dish with bold, tangy flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta
- 1 cup green olives, chopped; Castelvetrano or Cerignola recommended
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive brine
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 lemon, zest and juice
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the olive oil, olive brine, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped green olives, and crumbled feta. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust with additional lemon juice or black pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Taste the salad before serving and adjust the lemon juice, olive brine, and black pepper to suit your preference.
- Use dairy-free feta if you want to make the pasta salad vegan.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Mediterranean