The Perfect Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Entertaining

/

If you're looking for a delicious and light meal, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad is the perfect dish. This flavorful salad is packed with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, and is combined with an Italian-inspired dressing and a variety of delicious cheeses. The combination of flavors in this dish creates an amazing variety of tastes and is sure to please everyone at the table. Not only is it a great entree, but its bright colors and unique flavors also make it a great side dish for any lunch or dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this Mediterranean Pasta Salad in no time. For a delicious and healthy dish that's perfect for summer picnics and barbecues, Mediterranean Pasta Salad is the way to go. It's an easy dish to prepare and can be served either warm or cold.

Not only is this salad full of delicious flavor, but it is also low in fat and calories. You can customize this dish to your liking by adding different vegetables, proteins, and dressings of your choice. Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and healthy fats. It's a quick and easy meal that's sure to please everyone and have them coming back for a second scoop.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

Mediterranean pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be tailored to your tastes. It's easy to customize the ingredients for a unique set of flavors and textures. For a tangy kick, substitute feta cheese for Parmesan cheese. Olives and sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor, while whole-wheat bowtie pasta gives it a healthier twist with fewer carbs. Olive oil is a great substitute for mayonnaise to reduce fat and calories. Chopped artichoke hearts give the dish a unique texture, while fresh basil for a more intense herb flavor. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal, and capers for an extra salty kick. For a creamier texture, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Roasted red peppers bring a touch of sweetness, and arugula can be used instead of spinach for a peppery taste. With so many options, Mediterranean pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

What to Pair with Your Summer Pasta Salad

A Mediterranean pasta salad is a light and delicious dish that is perfect for Summertime meals. Its combination of fresh vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and herbs makes it a great way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean. To complete the meal, a light, dry white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with this salad. For a more flavorful drink, try a crisp, bubbly rosé or a chilled rosé Spritzer. Freshly baked garlic bread is also a great addition to this meal.

For a more complete meal, serve the Mediterranean pasta salad with a side of my delicious baked chicken drumsticks, steak, or salmon. For a vegan option, serve the salad with a side of lentils or roasted vegetables. To brighten the meal, add a side of freshly cut fruit or a fruit salad. Finally, top off the meal with a light dessert like a homemade fruit tart or ice cream.

How to Store Mediterranean Pasta Salad

When storing the Mediterranean pasta salad, make sure to let it cool completely before putting it in an airtight container. If possible, store the salad without the dressing and add it just before serving. The Mediterranean pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store the salad for a longer time, freeze it in a freezer-safe container.

To reheat the frozen Mediterranean pasta salad, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat or serve cold. This will help to retain the flavor and texture of the salad. Enjoy the Mediterranean pasta salad as is or top it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

How Long Will Pasta Salad Last In the Fridge?

A good pasta salad is a great way to use up leftover pasta, and the combination of flavors is sure to please any crowd. The best part is that you can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, so it's perfect for meal prepping or making ahead of time. When storing your pasta salad in the fridge, make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from spoiling. If you're not planning to eat the pasta salad within 4 days, it's a good idea to freeze it to keep it fresh longer.

It's important to remember that if you notice that the pasta salad is starting to look or smell off, it's best to discard it. While it's okay to keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days, any longer than that and you may not be able to trust the quality of the dish. So make sure to store it properly and enjoy it while it's still fresh.

My Best Pasta Salad Tips

To make this delicious salad, start with your favorite type of pasta. Penne, shells, or rotini all work great. Then, mix in a light vinaigrette or Italian-style dressing to keep it light and flavorful. Add in some fresh, seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions. If you're looking for a bit more protein, try adding some chickpeas, olives, feta cheese, or grilled chicken. Finish off the salad with some fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano. Keep it chilled until ready to serve.

To ensure maximum flavor, use fresh ingredients when making Mediterranean Pasta Salad. For a salty kick, add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Top it off with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for a hint of Mediterranean flavor. With a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious and healthy Summertime meal

Served Warm or Cold?

Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a delicious and healthy meal option that can be served both warm and cold. If served warm, the flavors of the vegetables, herbs, and cheese will be more intense and the pasta will be more tender. If served cold, the salad will have a refreshing taste and the vegetables will be crunchy. Whichever way you choose to serve it, Mediterranean Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

The beauty of Mediterranean Pasta Salad is that it can be made with whatever ingredients you have on hand. From tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese for the classic version to adding artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and roasted garlic for a more intense flavor, the possibilities are endless! You can also easily customize the salad with your favorite herbs and spices.

Whether you’re looking for a light and healthy lunch or dinner option, or something that will feed a large crowd, Mediterranean Pasta Salad is an easy and delicious choice that the whole group will love. You can make it ahead of time and serve it warm or cold, so you don’t have to worry about last-minute meal prep. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any extra veggies you have in the fridge. Try making this Mediterranean Pasta Salad today – you won’t be disappointed with this family-friendly yummy dish!

Ingredients

16 ounces of favorite cooked pasta

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1 cup cucumber, sliced into quarters

1/2 a medium red onion

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

1 15.5 oz canned chickpeas, drained

1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini

2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 tablespoons mayo

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon maple syrup

sea salt & black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside in bowl.

2. Mix together all dressing ingredients in mason jar and shake together until fully blended, adding sea salt & black pepper until desired taste.

3. Prepare vegtables; slice cherry tomatoes in half, cut cucumbers into quarters, cut red onion into slices, pit and cut in half kalamata olives, and slice pepperoncini into desired shapes. add ingredients into bowl with pasta and pour over dressing. Mix together. Serve topped with feta cheese & serve.

Creating a Festive 4th of July Tablescape for Your Celebration

/

As Independence Day is quickly approaching, it’s time to start planning for your 4th of July festivities! To me, one of the most important aspects of any successful holiday gathering is a well-crafted tablescape. Whether you’re hosting the typical backyard barbecue, an indoor dinner party, or a picnic on the beach, you can create a stunning tablescape to show off your patriotism and honor America’s birthday. In this blog post, we’ll explore some fun and creative ideas for designing the perfect 4th of July tablescape. This 4th of July, make your table sparkle, boom, and be the talk of the town!

When it comes to planning your 4th of July tablescape, white is always a good go-to base color for a classic look. Feature a centerpiece of white flowers, with a hint of blue mixed in for good measure. Utilize white china dishes and glassware for a timeless look, or find a beautiful blue or red print to make a statement. For added patriotic flair, add a few American flags to the décor. Place a bowl of red, white, and blue candy at each place setting to satisfy any sweet tooth. Include a small favor at each seat, such as a mini flag, to send your guests home with as a special touch they will appreciate. Finally, top off the look with a few star-shaped decorations to really show your spirit. With these few simple touches, your 4th of July tablescape will be a hit!

Red, White, and Blue Place Settings

The 4th of July is the perfect time to show your patriotic side with a festive tablescape. Whether you’re hosting a smaller gathering of family and friends or a large party, you can easily create a festive 4th of July tablescape with a few simple decorations. Start by creating red, white, and blue place settings. For this place setting I used the Marlow Thomas dishes from William Sonoma. I also used blue chargers, floral print blue plates and floral appetizer plates in different designs. The appetizer and dinner plates also come in red so you can do an alternating color for a fun and festive colorful look. I opted for gold silverware, which I use frequently, to match the gold around the rim of the dishes.

For a more luxurious touch, opt for cloth napkins. I did a simple white with red edging to give a subtle hint of red and added a nice wow statement with the napkin holder. I found the cutest star-shaped napkin holders on Etsy, and they also come in blue and other designs. You can also embellish the napkins with patriotic charms or ribbons for a special touch. You can also get creative and match the theme of your tablescape by using napkins with designs that reflect the holiday, such as fireworks, sparklers, or of course stars and stripes. Whatever you choose, make sure to choose napkins that show off your American spirit and give your 4th of July table an added festive touch.

Red, White and Blue Centerpieces for Tables

A 4th of July tablescape is the perfect way to celebrate this Independence Day. With the right decorations, you can create a festive and inviting atmosphere for your guests. Add a centerpiece to your table for an extra special touch. Red, white and blue centerpieces can be as simple as an arrangement of candles or as elaborate as a bouquet of flowers. You can even purchase pre-made centerpieces or make one yourself using items such as American flags, star-shaped balloons, and sparklers. For these patriotic table centerpieces, I did a matching blue and white pot from Williams-Sonoma that will double with a plant after the holiday. I filled it with white hydrangeas and small American flags. This was a very simple centerpiece to do and is right on the theme! One thing to be wiery of is hydrangeas get hot and can die quickly because of that, so be sure to purchase the day before or the day off and to spray them with water before taking them outside so they stay plenty wet and hydrated.

Drink Station

I wanted to add a fun element to this 4th of July table and the best way to do that is also something that helps guests help themselves. A drink station or food area allows guests to grab what they want as needed so you aren't asking them nonstop what you can get for them. I did a 3 drink station with Splenda's new Pour Pouch's and I loved how it turned out! Pink lemonade (with lemons), peach mango (with fresh peaches) and fruit punch (with strawberries, watermelon and blueberries) were beautiful colors to pick for this but also gave a variety of flavors for guests to choose from. Helpful tip if doing a drink station like this is to fill the jars with ice before adding cold water. This gives lots of room for ice to melt while keeping the drinks nice and cold. Adding fruit into each one also helps distinguish the flavors inside of each jar or you can also add names onto each glass drink dispenser.

How Can I Make My 4th of July Tablescape Stand Out?

The 4th of July is the perfect time to get creative and throw together a tablescape that celebrates the spirit of America and the spirit of your creativity. To get started, incorporate the colors of the American Flag (red, white, and blue) into your design. Utilize rustic elements like natural wood, mason jars, and burlap to add texture and charm. Create a centerpiece with festive decorations like stars, stripes, and fireworks to really bring the spirit of the Fourth of July to life.

For food and drinks, serve up some festive and delicious Fourth of July favorites like red, white, and blue popsicles, iced teas+, and cupcakes. To add some sparkle and shine, incorporate glittery accents like star garlands and banners. Finally, don’t forget to use festive, Fourth of July-themed plates, cups, and napkins for a fun touch that matches your tablecloth. With these decorative items, you’ll have the perfect Fourth of July tablescape that celebrates the traditional spirit of America.

Creating the Perfect Summer Tablescape

/

Summer is a time for outdoor gatherings with friends and family, and what better way to celebrate a memorable evening than with a beautiful Summer tablescape? With the right touches of vibrant colors, lush florals, and a touch of the outdoors, you can create a stunning tablescape that will be sure to impress your guests for any type of celebration you may be hosting. In this blog post, we'll explore some easy tips and tricks to create the perfect Summer tablescape. Ranging from the furniture I used to the floral centerpieces and everything in between. Let's dive right in!

Party around a Summer Theme

Nothing says Summer quite like a beautiful tablescape. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor picnic or an indoor dinner party, a Summer tablescape can help create a fun and festive atmosphere. One of the best ways to create a seasonal feel is to use bright, warm colors. Try combining bright oranges, greens, and pinks to create a cheerful and sunny atmosphere. For a garden-inspired look, use wildflowers and a variety of fruits. Bowls of fruit will not only add a lovely addition to your decor and centerpieces, but they also make for a great touch to a bar cart. This way when you run out of cut lemons or limes you have them ready to go for your next round of cocktails.

To make sure your guests stay refreshed throughout the evening, include a variety of refreshing drinks and snacks in your tablescape. Be sure to have some options available for both adults and children. From lemonades and teas to fresh fruit and popcorn, you can create a fun and inviting atmosphere for all of your guests to enjoy.

To add to the Summer feel, play music or create a playlist to set the perfect seasonal mood. This can help get everyone in the party mood and keep the energy up throughout the night. Also, to keep everyone entertained, add a few outdoor games like horseshoes, cornhole, badminton, or croquet. With a beautiful Summer tablescape, you can make sure your guests have a great time and create lasting memories.

Set an Easy Table

A great way to start is by choosing bright Summer colors for your tablecloth and napkins. Adding a few colorful blooms in vases will instantly create a cheerful atmosphere, and the vibrant scent will certainly add to the ambiance. Placemats are a great way to add even more color to the table, and they can protect your tabletop from spills. Place a few small dishes on the table to hold condiments, salt and pepper, and other items while utilizing them as a decorative element. And finally, top off the table with a centerpiece that reflects the season, such as a bowl of fruit or a vase of flowers. With a few simple touches, you’ll have a beautiful Summer tablescape that will be sure to impress your guests.

For this super simple tablescape idea, I went with small bistro tables. You can add several of these to your yard for intimate conversation and quiet areas to sit in between playing yard games or swimming in the pool. These come in multiple colors and are foldable making them a great addition to your party planning collection. Linked -here- and below for you.

Creating the perfect Summer tablescape is one of the most enjoyable parts of the season. To make it extra special, a centerpiece is a perfect way to liven up the table and my signature start to any table display I put together. To make a beautiful centerpiece, start with bright-colored flowers to create a garden variety display. To add a fragrant touch, incorporate some of your favorite herbs into the design. Place the centerpiece in the middle of your table to be the focal point of your Summer tablescape. Have extra flowers on hand? Make additional floral arrangements to add to your bar cart or drink area, inside of your home to keep the party going in all areas and in the bathroom for a pretty piece of decor when guests use the powder room.

What Colors are Popular for Summer Tablescapes?

Summer is the perfect time to get creative with your table settings. A beautiful tablescape can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any gathering. When it comes to creating the perfect Summer tablescape, there are many different options to choose from. Bright and bold colors are a great way to add a cheerful, summery vibe to your table. Popular Summer colors include shades of pink, yellow, green, and terracotta. These colors create a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere that will be sure to brighten up your gathering. I added all of these colors in this tablescape to give a beautiful Summer presentation that also tied together with my drink of choice! For every table I put together I always find a place to start and for this bistro-inspired table setting I started with these colorful teas I was planning to serve from my bar cart. The green bistro set and colorful florals added to this color assortment as well!

Summer is the perfect time to get creative with your tablescape! Incorporating bright and bold colors into your tablescape will create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere. Mix and match different prints, patterns, and textures to create a unique and stylish place setting. You can also add some unexpected elements to your tablescape like colorful fruit, a collection of different textures and transitional furniture. With a little bit of creativity and attention to detail, you can create a Summer tablescape that will be sure to impress your guests.


What are Some Creative Ideas to Make My Summer Tablescape Unique?

When it comes to Summer tablescapes, there are so many creative ways to make your table stand out. One way to add a unique look is to incorporate unexpected colors, such as yellow, pink, or green. This will give the table a vibrant and eye-catching appearance. You can also add interesting textures to the table by mixing and matching different fabrics. Adding a centerpiece to the table is an easy way to create a beautiful and natural look. Consider filling a bowl with fresh fruits or flowers for a Summery atmosphere. Adding string lights to the ceiling or along the walls will create a romantic and outdoor-inspired feel to the space. These are just a few ways to create a stunning Summer tablescape, whether you are putting together a birthday celebration or just a fun get-together it will be sure to impress your guests.