Go Back
+ servings
Sicilian Pasta Salad

Sicilian Pasta Salad: A Summer Burst of Flavor Awaits

Experience the vibrant flavors of Sicilian Pasta Salad, a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces penne pasta can be substituted with farfalle or cavatelli
For the Vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil can substitute with avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) garlic powder as alternative
  • 1 medium onion (diced) white or yellow onion
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (diced) can swap for yellow or orange
  • 1 medium zucchini (diced)
  • 1 cup green beans (chopped) can be replaced with cherry tomatoes
For the Flavor Base
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or tomato sauce, adjust amount
  • 1/2 cup water omit if using more tomato puree
  • 1/4 cup white wine or vegetable broth, or omit
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (minced) combination of parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil
For the Extras
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) or fresh tomatoes when in season
  • 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (drained and chopped) canned versions work
  • 1/2 cup black pitted olives (drained) green olives can be used
  • 1/2 cup Asiago or pecorino cheese (grated) or Parmesan, omit for dairy-free

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions for 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with 1 tsp olive oil and set aside to cool.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic, diced onion, and red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until soft.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and water, then pour in white wine and add minced fresh herbs with sea salt and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add zucchini and green beans, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until just tender.
  5. Remove from heat and fold in sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and black olives.
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooled penne pasta with the sautéed vegetable mix, tossing gently.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving, fold in grated cheese and garnish with fresh basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure pasta is al dente, use fresh herbs for best flavor, and chill ingredients separately to maintain crunch.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!