Sicilian Pasta Salad
A vibrant Sicilian pasta salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors, featuring colorful peppers, garlic, herbs, and a tangy tomato and wine dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or light meals, it offers a refreshing and savory taste that appeals to both meat eaters and vegetarians alike.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. tricolored pasta ⓘ
- 1/3 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons white wine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground rosemary ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground marjoram ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground oregano ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, simmer olive oil, minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped parsley until tender.
- Combine tomato paste and water to create a tomato puree mixture.
- Add the tomato puree, white wine, basil leaves, salt, ground rosemary, thyme, marjoram, oregano, and black pepper to the skillet.
- Continue to simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add sliced red and green peppers; simmer an additional 2 minutes until tender.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and blend thoroughly.
- Chill the pasta salad for approximately 1 to 2 hours.
- Garnish with black olives before serving and serve cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier salad, consider adding chickpeas or diced salami for protein. If you're short on time, pre-cooked pasta works well. Substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if needed, but use less as dried herbs are more potent. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sicilian Pasta Salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Vinaigrette For Salad And Tomatoes, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a side of Tabouli Salad. This dish is perfect for potlucks or picnics, as it holds up well at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent sticking. This dish is also delicious served cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sicilian Pasta Salad contains roughly 241 calories, with 9g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (141% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and calcium (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. It also contributes 32g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and allow the flavors to meld. However, add any fresh ingredients like herbs or olives just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Tricolored pasta is visually appealing and adds a nice texture, but you can use any short pasta like penne or rotini. The key is to choose a pasta that holds the sauce well.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable to vegan diets. Just ensure that your pasta is egg-free and omit any non-vegan ingredients. The salad is already packed with vegetables and flavor, making it a satisfying vegan option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).