If you’re a fan of flavorful and refreshing dishes, then you’ll absolutely love Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe. This vibrant and zesty salad combines al dente pasta, ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny kalamata olives, tangy feta cheese, and a bright herb vinaigrette. It’s a perfect choice for picnics, potlucks, or a light and satisfying meal on a warm day. With its harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors and textures, this pasta salad is sure to become a new summer staple.
Why I Love This Pasta Recipe
There are so many reasons why I can’t get enough of this Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe. First and foremost, the flavors are absolutely phenomenal. The combination of salty feta, briny olives, fresh herbs, and the tangy vinaigrette creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
Secondly, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep. Additionally, this pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish or a side, making it suitable for various occasions.
How to Make Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Making this Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad Copycat Recipe is a simple process that doesn’t require any fancy techniques or equipment. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Ingredients
- Rotini Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta is perfect for catching all the delicious flavors and dressing.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These bite-sized tomatoes add a burst of freshness, sweetness, and tang to the salad.
- Cucumber: The crunch and refreshing taste of cucumber complement the other ingredients beautifully.
- Red Onion: A small amount of diced red onion provides a subtle bite and depth of flavor.
- Kalamata Olives: These briny olives are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and add a savory punch to the salad.
- Feta Cheese: The creamy, tangy feta cheese is a key ingredient that ties all the flavors together.
- Fresh Parsley and Basil: These herbs add vibrancy, aroma, and a touch of freshness to the dish.
- Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, and Lemon Juice: These ingredients form the base of the bright and zesty vinaigrette dressing.
- Dried Oregano: This herb adds a subtle earthiness and depth of flavor to the dressing.
Kitchen Appliances Needed
- A large pot or Dutch oven for boiling the pasta
- A colander for draining the pasta
- A large mixing bowl for tossing the salad ingredients
- A small bowl for making the vinaigrette dressing
Step by Step Instructions
Step 01: Cook the Pasta
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 02: Prepare the Veggies and Herbs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red onion, halved kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped basil.
Step 03: Make the Vinaigrette Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette dressing.
Step 04: Assemble the Salad
Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Step 05: Chill and Marinate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 06: Toss and Serve
Give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Special Notes
- For best results, cook the pasta until it’s slightly undercooked (al dente), as it will continue to soften as it chills in the dressing.
- To prevent the pasta from sticking together, rinse it with cold water after cooking and draining.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld and develop.
Recipe Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free varieties like brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta.
- Vegan Version: Omit the feta cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Add Protein: To make it a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Different Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other fresh veggies like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
- Change up the Cheese: Instead of feta, try crumbled goat cheese or shredded Parmesan.
- Different Herbs: Swap out the parsley and basil with fresh oregano, dill, or mint for a different flavor profile.
What to Serve with Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
This Mediterranean pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish or a side. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Main Dish: Serve it with grilled protein like chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a complete meal.
- Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or veggie kabobs at a backyard BBQ.
- Potluck or Picnic Fare: This pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser and travels well, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.
- Light Lunch or Dinner: Enjoy it as a light yet satisfying meal on its own, accompanied by a crusty bread or a side salad.
How To Store Leftovers Salad
Leftovers of this Mediterranean pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may continue to absorb the dressing as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of olive oil or vinegar to revive the flavors before serving.
To extend the shelf life, consider storing the pasta and dressing separately, then tossing them together just before serving.
FAQs
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?
While red wine vinegar is recommended, you can experiment with other vinegar varieties like white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or even lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
While it’s not recommended to freeze this pasta salad, as the textures of the ingredients may become compromised, you can freeze the cooked pasta separately and assemble the salad later with fresh ingredients.
Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Learn how to make delicious and healthy Sam's Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe at home with few simple ingredients. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to have a healthy dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of rotini pasta
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup of red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup of kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 8Amount Per Serving: Calories: 270Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 320mgCarbohydrates: 33gSugar: 3gProtein: 7g
The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.
Conclusion
Sam’s Club’s Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is a vibrant and delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, this pasta salad is sure to become a new summer staple in your household. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, packing a picnic lunch, or simply looking for a satisfying and fresh meal, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. Give it a try and experience the refreshing flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite.
