Fresh, colorful, and packed with Mediterranean flavor, this pasta salad is an easy way to enjoy the distinctive taste of Locatelli Ricotta Salata. Unlike creamy ricotta, ricotta salata is firm, pleasantly salty, and perfect for crumbling or grating over salads, pasta, and roasted vegetables.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Locatelli Ricotta Salata
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Pasta
Servings
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Calories
420
Author:
Supermarket Italy
Fresh, colorful, and packed with Mediterranean flavor, this pasta salad is an easy way to enjoy the distinctive taste of Locatelli Ricotta Salata. Unlike creamy ricotta, ricotta salata is firm, pleasantly salty, and perfect for crumbling or grating over salads, pasta, and roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
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12 oz short pasta, such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle
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6 oz Locatelli Ricotta Salata, crumbled or diced
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1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
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½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
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â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 small garlic clove, minced
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Salt, if needed
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Allow the pasta to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives. Chop the parsley and basil.
3. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, and black pepper.
- Because Locatelli Ricotta Salata naturally has a salty flavor, taste the finished salad before adding additional salt.
4. Assemble the Pasta Salad
Add the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and basil to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
5. Add the Ricotta Salata
Gently fold in the crumbled Locatelli Ricotta Salata, reserving a small amount for the top. The firm texture of ricotta salata allows it to hold its shape while adding a savory, slightly tangy flavor throughout the salad.
6. Serve
Top with the remaining ricotta salata and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes for a chilled pasta salad.
Recipe Note
Buy Locatelli Ricotta Salata Wedge, 8 oz [Pack of 2] and more authentic Italian favorites at Supermarket Italy.