This Italian pasta salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines the best Mediterranean ingredients into one irresistible bowl.
With tender penne pasta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichokes, peppery arugula, and creamy feta, every bite is bursting with fresh, bold flavors.
Tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing, this salad is the perfect addition to any gathering, whether it’s a summer picnic, a light lunch, or a side for your favorite Italian feast.
What makes this pasta salad stand out is its perfect balance of textures and flavors—savory, briny, creamy, and slightly tangy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
This recipe is simple, yet full of flavor, with each ingredient adding something special to the mix. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences.
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or another short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli)
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives, halved
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
For the Italian Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Making this pasta salad is easy and rewarding. Just follow these steps for a delicious result:
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. - Make the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside to allow the flavors to meld. - Prepare the ingredients:
While the pasta cools, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, quarter the marinated artichokes, slice the olives, and halve the cherry tomatoes. - Assemble the salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, arugula, feta, and cherry tomatoes. - Toss with dressing:
Drizzle the homemade Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve and enjoy:
Garnish with lemon zest for an extra burst of freshness and serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tweaks and Additions
Want to customize your pasta salad? Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:
- Try a different cheese:
Swap feta for creamy goat cheese, mozzarella pearls, or shaved Parmesan for a unique flavor profile. - Add a protein:
Turn this into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy prosciutto for extra protein. - Switch up the greens:
Instead of arugula, try baby spinach for a milder taste, fresh basil for an herbaceous touch, or chopped kale for a heartier texture. - Use a different pasta:
Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty depth, chickpea pasta boosts protein, and tortellini creates a heartier version of this salad. - Boost the crunch:
Toss in toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or crispy chickpeas for extra texture and flavor contrast. - Make it gluten-free:
Use gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free option that still delivers all the deliciousness. - Incorporate roasted vegetables:
Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant add a smoky depth to the salad. - Make it citrusy:
Swap the red wine vinegar for fresh lemon juice or add orange zest for a bright, refreshing twist. - Spice it up:
Add a teaspoon of Calabrian chili paste, extra red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil if you love a bit of heat. - Enhance the umami:
Stir in capers for a tangy punch, or add anchovy paste to the dressing for a richer depth of flavor.
This Italian pasta salad is a delightful mix of bold flavors and fresh ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, a side, or a meal prep staple, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out and let me know how you customized yours!