Zesty Bobby Flay Pasta Salad Recipe with Fresh Herbs

Bobby Flay’s pasta salad ignites summer gatherings with its explosion of vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.

Crisp vegetables and tangy seasonings mingle in a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dance that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Zesty herbs and colorful produce weave together a culinary masterpiece that speaks directly to your senses.

Each forkful bursts with refreshing complexity, promising a journey through robust and harmonious tastes.

Seasonal elements elevate this dish from simple side to conversation-starting centerpiece.

Effortless preparation meets gourmet appeal, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Dazzle your friends and family with a sensational pasta salad that captures summer’s most delicious moments.

Steps to Make Bobby Flay’s Pasta Salad

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a large pot and fill with water. Toss in a pinch of salt and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until just shy of fully done, giving it that perfect al dente bite that makes pasta lovers swoon.

• Craft Zesty Flavor Bomb

Grab a small bowl and whisk together garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and a sprinkle of herbs. This magical mixture will transform your ordinary pasta into a taste sensation that dances on your tongue.

• Create Vibrant Salad Medley

Cool down your pasta by drizzling with olive oil and letting it rest. Then dive into building your salad masterpiece – toss in crunchy pine nuts, fresh mint, crumbly feta, peppery arugula, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and protein-packed chickpeas.

• Dress and Delight

Pour your flavor-packed dressing over the salad and gently mix everything together. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finish with a final splash of lemon, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil to make your dish sing with freshness.

Tips for Pasta Salad Perfection

Transform this Mediterranean-inspired salad with these expert tips and creative twists.

Swap pine nuts with almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for varied texture and rich flavor profiles. Experiment with different toasted nuts to add unexpected depth to your salad.

Elevate the dish by adding grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or sliced salami for a more substantial meal. Plant-based eaters can incorporate roasted tofu or tempeh for extra protein punch.

Adapt the salad to what’s fresh and available. Replace cherry tomatoes with roasted bell peppers in winter, or add grilled zucchini during summer harvest. Mix in seasonal herbs like basil or dill to keep the recipe exciting and vibrant.

Create multiple dressing variations by switching out herbs or adding different acids. Try using white wine vinegar instead of lemon, or incorporate fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired twist. Experiment with chili oil or tahini for unexpected flavor dimensions.

Serving Bobby Flay’s Pasta Salad

• Elevate Pasta Presentation: Arrange the salad on a beautiful serving platter, creating colorful layers that showcase the vibrant ingredients and entice guests.
• Pair with Protein Boost: Complement the salad with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or roasted shrimp to transform it into a complete and satisfying meal.
• Create Mediterranean Picnic Spread: Pack this refreshing salad in mason jars for a stunning outdoor lunch or potluck contribution that travels beautifully and impresses fellow diners.
• Customize with Fresh Herbs: Experiment by adding fresh basil, parsley, or dill to enhance the salad's aromatic profile and create a personalized flavor experience.

How to Store Pasta Salad for Later

• Preserve Pasta Perfection: Store this Mediterranean pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ingredients like cucumbers and arugula may lose crispness over time, so enjoy within 24-48 hours for optimal freshness.
• Revive and Refresh: Before serving leftovers, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Gently stir to redistribute dressing and bring out vibrant flavors. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice or olive oil to reinvigorate the dish.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep dressing separate from salad when meal prepping to prevent soggy vegetables. Store dressing in a small sealed jar and add just before serving to maintain crisp textures and bright flavors.
• Freezing Friendly Tips: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze pasta without delicate vegetables like arugula and cucumber. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and refresh with a quick toss of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Bobby Flay’s Pasta Salad Ingredient Guide

• Pasta: Choose a high-quality, bronze-cut pasta for better sauce absorption and authentic texture.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for enhancing natural pasta flavor.

• Cucumber: Select firm, bright green cucumbers without soft spots or yellowing.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Pick vibrant, plump tomatoes with smooth, taut skin for sweetest flavor.
• Arugula Leaves: Look for crisp, deep green leaves without wilting or browning edges.
• Fresh Mint: Choose bright green, fragrant leaves with no dark spots or discoloration.

• Chickpeas: Opt for well-drained, firm chickpeas without blemishes.
• Feta Cheese: Select creamy, tangy Greek-style feta with smooth, crumbly texture.
• Pine Nuts: Choose golden, uniform nuts without any rancid smell.

• Olive Oil: Select cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil for robust, authentic flavor.
• Lemon: Pick heavy, bright yellow lemons with smooth, glossy skin.
• Garlic: Choose firm, compact bulbs with tight, unbroken skin.
• Dijon Mustard: Select smooth, tangy French-style mustard.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Use vibrant, deep red flakes for maximum heat.
• Herbes de Provence: Look for fresh, aromatic herb blend without clumping.

Tools for Preparing Pasta Salad

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with plenty of space.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Small bowl: Ideal for whisking together zesty dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending dressing until smooth and well-combined.
• Large mixing bowl: Roomy container for tossing and combining salad ingredients.
• Cutting board: Solid surface for chopping herbs, vegetables, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise chopping of mint, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning dressing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or tongs: Perfect for gently tossing pasta and salad without bruising delicate ingredients.

Zesty Bobby Flay Pasta Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Bobby Flay pasta salad combines zesty ingredients for a mouthwatering summer dish. Mediterranean flavors and fresh herbs create a delightful meal that will satisfy your craving for a light yet satisfying lunch.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (710 ml) fusilli pasta, uncooked
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) chickpeas, cooked, drained and rinsed
• 2 heaping cups (475 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (240 ml) feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups (475 ml) arugula
• 1 cup (240 ml) Persian cucumbers, sliced into thin half-moons
• 1 cup (240 ml) basil leaves, torn
• ½ cup (120 ml) parsley, minced
• ½ cup (120 ml) mint, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pine nuts, toasted
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, more for drizzling
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp herbes de Provence, or dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¾ tsp sea salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process. Toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and allow to cool completely.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk together garlic, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, herbes de Provence, red pepper flakes, and salt in a medium bowl until emulsified, creating a zesty and aromatic vinaigrette.
3. Ingredient Assembly: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with pine nuts, mint leaves, feta cheese, arugula, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas. Gently fold ingredients to distribute evenly without crushing delicate components.
4. Final Composition: Drizzle prepared dressing over the pasta mixture, carefully coating all ingredients. Toss gently to ensure uniform flavor distribution. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
5. Serving Recommendation: Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with extra mint leaves and a final splash of olive oil. Serve chilled or at room temperature, allowing the vibrant Mediterranean flavors to shine through.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook al dente for the ideal texture, ensuring pasta maintains a slight bite without becoming mushy.
• Dressing Magic: Whisk ingredients vigorously to emulsify, blending flavors deeply into the salad for maximum taste impact.
• Cooling Technique: Spread pasta evenly and avoid overcrowding to prevent sticking and accelerate cooling process.
• Flavor Fusion: Let salad sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop richer, more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg