Imagine a vibrant, refreshing salad that captures the essence of Italian summer in every single bite! This Ancini di Pepe Salad is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dish that will make your friends and family beg for seconds. Packed with fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and perfectly cooked tiny pasta pearls, this salad is about to become your new go-to summer sensation that's as easy to make as it is delicious to devour.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup ancini di pepe pasta
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a medium-sized pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the ancini di pepe pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber into small cubes, and slice the black olives.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Tips
- • For the best flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh red wine vinegar. • Rinse the pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping. • Let the salad chill for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. • For extra freshness, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving. • If you want to make it a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp. • Always taste and adjust seasoning just before serving to ensure perfect flavor balance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
