Imagine enjoying a fresh, aromatic Italian pasta salad that brings the essence of the Mediterranean to your plate. Our Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Arugula is just that! This dish combines the fresh flavors of cherry tomatoes, black olives, and arugula with the creaminess of mini mozzarella and the tang of sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for foodies, home cooks, and anyone who loves to explore new dishes!
Mediterranean cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and healthy dishes. This Italian fusilli salad is inspired by the flavors of Italy and Greece, combining traditional ingredients in a new and exciting way. Arugula, also known as rocket, is native to the Mediterranean and is prized for its nutty, slightly spicy flavor. Paired with pasta and other Mediterranean ingredients, it creates an incomparable taste experience.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Rest time: 20 minutes
Cooking/baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients for 4 servings:
- 500 g pasta (e.g. tortiglioni, rigatoni or fusilli)
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 400 g cherry tomatoes
- 200 g pitted black olives
- 20 mini mozzarella balls
- 2 onions
- 12 dried tomatoes in oil
- 250 ml tomato juice
- 8 tbsp balsamic bianco (white balsamic vinegar)
- 12 tbsp olive oil
- 2 bunches of arugula
- salt and pepper
- 2 pinches of sugar
Preparation:
- Preparation of the ingredients:
Cook the pasta along with the peeled garlic cloves in plenty of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, rinse briefly, and let it drain well. Reserve the garlic cloves for the dressing. - Prepare vegetables and mozzarella:
Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Drain the black olives and the mini mozzarella balls. Remove the sun-dried tomatoes from the oil and cut into small pieces. Finely dice the onions and finely chop the cooked garlic from the cooking water. - Prepare the dressing:
Mix the chopped garlic and onions with the tomato juice, white balsamic vinegar, a little salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Add the olive oil while stirring continuously and season the balsamic dressing to taste. - Mix salad:
In a large bowl, combine the pasta with the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and black olives. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and toss well. Let the salad sit for about 20 minutes. This Mediterranean-style pasta salad unfolds its full flavor after it's left to stand. - Add arugula:
Clean, wash, and dry the arugula. Just before serving, mix it into the salad to preserve its fresh, nutty flavor.
Tips & Variations:
- Adjustments: For additional depth of flavor, you can add capers or artichoke hearts, which will make your pasta salad with capers and Parmesan special.
- Using leftovers: This light pasta salad keeps well in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed the next day as a cold pasta salad.
- Seasonal adjustments: In summer, you can add fresh basil leaves, while in winter, roasted peppers make an interesting variation.
Serving suggestion:
Present the Italian salad with fusilli in a beautiful bowl or on an elegant plate.The vibrant colors of the fresh ingredients really stand out and create an appealing visual effect. Garnish the salad with a few extra arugula leaves and serve with a glass of cool lemon or mint water—ideal for complementing the salad's fresh flavors.
Conclusion:
This Mediterranean pasta salad with balsamic vinegar is a simple yet flavorful dish that's quick and easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can conjure up a healthy and filling meal that's both delicious and appealing. Pasta salad without mayonnaise is the perfect choice for those looking for a lighter alternative.
Try it and be amazed by the variety and intense flavors of this Mediterranean salad.
Have fun cooking and enjoy your meal!
