Imagine a dish that transports you to sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines with every single bite - a vibrant, refreshing pasta salad that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! This Mediterranean Pecan Pasta Salad is your ticket to an extraordinary dining experience that combines crisp vegetables, toasted pecans, and a zesty dressing that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for summer picnics, quick lunches, or impressive dinner sides, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare a colander in the sink for draining. Once pasta is cooked, drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture, then pour the dressing over the salad. Gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the salad and mix lightly to distribute evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving. Can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente - it provides the perfect texture and prevents mushiness when mixed with other ingredients.
- Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning. Watch them closely and stir frequently.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing to elevate the overall taste.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- For extra freshness, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
