Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe

If you love the briny, bold flavors of a classic dirty martini, you are truly in for a treat! This Dirty Martini Pasta Salad transforms the beloved cocktail into an utterly craveable, picnic-ready dish—full of juicy green olives, creamy feta, and a lemony, olive-brine-kicked dressing that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the absolute joys of Dirty Martini Pasta Salad is just how few ingredients stand between you and a bowl of zesty satisfaction. Every element brings something essential—bright color, silky texture, a punch of salinity, or creamy richness. Choose the best quality you can for the most rewarding results!

• Pasta of choice (½ pound): A short pasta like Mafalda Corta, fusilli, or penne holds onto all that glorious dressing, but any favorite works beautifully.
• Large green olives (1 cup, pitted and roughly chopped): The heart of the martini flavor! Choose meaty, briny olives—think Castelvetrano or Spanish Manzanilla—for the most authentic experience.
• Feta cheese (100g, cubed) or blue cheese crumbles: Feta adds creamy tang and a hint of saltiness. For a funkier twist, blue cheese makes it even more martini-esque.
• Extra virgin olive oil (⅓ cup): This is the base of your luscious dressing, so use the good stuff for best results.
• Olive brine (¼ cup): Don’t skip or skimp—it’s the secret to that iconic dirty martini flavor!
• Fresh garlic (1 clove, minced): For a subtle sharpness that perks up the whole salad.
• Lemon (zest of half, juice of ¼): Zest adds beautiful aroma; a squeeze of juice wakes up all the flavors.
• Black pepper (to taste): Adds a little spicy warmth to round things out.

Variations

There are so many fantastic ways to let Dirty Martini Pasta Salad reflect your taste or dietary needs. Play around with the mix-ins, experiment with cheeses, or swap out the pasta—this salad is anything but fussy!

• Vegan Swap: Use vegan feta or omit cheese entirely for a totally plant-based version—still packed with bold, briny goodness.
• Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta shape for a deliciously inclusive side or meal.
• Olive Medley: Mix green and black olives for deeper, more nuanced flavors and a pop of dramatic color.
• Blue Cheese Boost: Replace feta with punchy blue cheese crumbles if you love an extra-savory kick (so good with that olive brine!).

How to Make Dirty Martini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. The key here is to stop just at al dente—so your noodles hold onto the dressing without going mushy. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta well with cold water to cool it down and prevent any clumping.

Step 2: Make the Dirty Martini Dressing

In a small mason jar or bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, olive brine, minced garlic, the zest of half a lemon, juice from a quarter of the lemon, and a generous grind of black pepper. Secure the lid and shake to emulsify, or whisk until everything comes together like a zippy, silky vinaigrette.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Grab a large mixing bowl and add the cooled pasta, chopped green olives, and cubes of feta (or blue cheese crumbles). Pour your dressing over the top, then toss gently but thoroughly—every piece of pasta deserves a coat of that martini-inspired flavor!

Step 4: Chill & Serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning—sometimes a touch more black pepper, lemon, or even a pinch of salt is all it needs. Cover your bowl and chill the Dirty Martini Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets all those flavors mingle for maximum deliciousness. Give it a gentle toss before serving, and enjoy!

How to Serve Dirty Martini Pasta Salad

Garnishes

The classic look? Top with a few extra green olive slices and maybe a scattering of freshly cracked black pepper. If you love a lemony hit, a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest instantly makes the Dirty Martini Pasta Salad pop and look inviting.

Side Dishes

This salad is a fantastic partner for grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or simple roasted vegetables. It also shines on a picnic or potluck table, happily mingling with other summery dishes like tomato cucumber salad or a crisp baguette.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the Dirty Martini Pasta Salad into pretty coupe glasses for a fun nod to its inspiration, or pile it high on a chic platter lined with fresh greens. Individual mason jars make it portable and picnic-perfect, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Dirty Martini Pasta Salad keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors only deepen after some rest—just give it a little toss before serving to refresh the texture.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t recommended (the pasta, cheese, and olives won’t love the freezer), you can prep the dressing and chop the olives ahead to make assembly lightning fast the day you want to serve.

Reheating

This is a salad best enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no reheating required! If it’s been chilled for a while, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving to bring back the flavors and the perfect texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your usual pasta salad game, you have to give Dirty Martini Pasta Salad a try. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter—bright, briny, and bursting with big flavor in every bite. Bring it to your next gathering, or just make a bowl for yourself and savor a little happy hour magic, no shaker required!

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