This Pasta Pearls and Olive Salad is a delightful combination of cooked pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy black olives, and fresh mozzarella pearls, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It's a perfect summer side dish or a light main course. The vibrant colors and flavors of this salad make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe will become a favorite in your repertoire. Enjoy the refreshing taste of pasta pearls and olives!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cooked pasta pearls
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, sliced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella pearls, red onion, basil leaves, and parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Pasta pearls are also known as Israeli couscous or Ptitim.
Black olives contain healthy monounsaturated fats.
Mozzarella pearls are small balls of fresh mozzarella cheese.