Name: Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ½ lb malfa corta pasta; ½ cup parsley roughly chopped; 1 heaping cup castelvetrano olives smashed; ¼ cup brine from the olives; ½ cup crumbled blue cheese; 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts; 1 medium lemon zested; ½ lemon, juiced; ⅓ cup garlic expressions; Pinch of flaky salt; Fresh cracked pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 10 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a pasta salad that breaks all the rules and shines with bold, savory flavors, you’re going to love this one. The Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what it sounds like—pasta tossed up with briny olives, bright lemon, and that unmistakable herbal kick that reminds me of a classic dirty martini in a bowl. It’s fan-freaking-tastic, and I promise you’ll want to make it your go-to for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any time you want to wow your taste buds with something unexpected.

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Why This Recipe Works

Bold Flavor Profile: The combination of olive brine, blue cheese, and garlic expressions creates a punchy, savory salad that keeps your taste buds curious.
Textural Fun: Toasted pine nuts add an unexpected crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy cheese and tender pasta.
Simple to Assemble: Once your pasta’s cooked and cooled, everything just comes together in one bowl—fast and fuss-free.
Versatility: This salad works as a side, a light main, or a party dish that always gets compliments.

Dirty Martini Pasta Salad, pasta salad with olives and lemon, savory pasta salad recipe, summer pasta salad ideas, bold flavored pasta salad - A close-up view of a large white bowl filled with curly-edged pasta that is light yellow in color, mixed evenly with bright green sliced olives and sprinkled with small bits of light green herbs and crumbled white cheese. The pasta is separated nicely, showing the wavy edges and soft texture, while the green olives add contrast throughout. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe is all about playing with bold, well-balanced ingredients that complement each other. The salty olives and their brine bring that familiar martini vibe, while lemon zest and juice brighten everything up, and blue cheese adds creamy tang. Here’s a quick rundown of why each piece fits so well.

Dirty Martini Pasta Salad, pasta salad with olives and lemon, savory pasta salad recipe, summer pasta salad ideas, bold flavored pasta salad - Flat lay of a simple white ceramic bowl filled with a small pile of uncooked malfa corta pasta, a few sprigs of roughly chopped fresh parsley next to it, a small white bowl with a heap of smashed Castelvetrano olives, another small white bowl containing clear olive brine, crumbled blue cheese arranged in a small pile, toasted pine nuts scattered neatly in a small white bowl, a whole fresh lemon with visible zest shavings beside it, a small white bowl with freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a small white bowl holding minced garlic, alongside two whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically, all ingredients fresh and natural, balanced perfectly in a professional flat lay composition placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Malfa corta pasta: I love using short pasta shapes that hold onto every bit of dressing, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Parsley: Fresh and slightly peppery, it cuts through the richness and adds color to the salad.
Castelvetrano olives: These olives are a game-changer with their buttery texture and mild, fruity brine that’s less salty than typical olives.
Olive brine: This salty, tangy liquid boosts the umami and mimics that dirty martini kick in the salad.
Blue cheese: Creamy and pungent, it adds luxurious depth and a punch of sharpness.
Toasted pine nuts: These give a subtle crunch and a warm, nutty aroma that beautifully contrast the cheese and olives.
Lemon zest and juice: Brighten things up with citrusy freshness and a little zing to balance the savory elements.
Garlic expressions: If you’re unfamiliar, this is a garlicky oil infusion that delivers big garlic flavor without the harsh bite of raw garlic.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you’re into spicier vibes, extra crunch, or leaving out ingredients for dietary reasons, this salad welcomes your own spin without losing its charm.

Variation: I sometimes swap blue cheese for feta if I want a milder tang or if I’m making it for folks sensitive to stronger cheeses — it still works brilliantly!
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives it a surprising heat that wakes up the flavors.
Vegan Version: Leave out the blue cheese and pine nuts if needed, and throw in some roasted chickpeas for protein and texture.
Herbs Swap: Basil or mint in place of parsley add a fresh twist to the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook pasta al dente and cool it down

I start by boiling my malfa corta pasta until it’s just al dente—meaning it still has a little bite. Overcooked pasta is the enemy here because this salad is all about texture. Once cooked, I drain it and rinse with cool water until it feels cool to the touch. This stops the cooking instantly and makes sure the pasta doesn’t clump together. Trust me, this rinsing step makes all the difference in the final texture.

Step 2: Toss in the fresh ingredients

Next, I pour the cooled pasta into a big bowl and add the roughly chopped parsley and the smashed Castelvetrano olives. I love smashing the olives just a little—it helps them release some of that briny flavor without overwhelming the salad. Pouring in about a quarter cup of their brine gives the whole dish that signature dirty martini vibe. Then, it’s time for the crumbled blue cheese and toasted pine nuts, which bring creamy and crunchy textures.

Step 3: Brighten with lemon and garlic magic

I zest a medium lemon right over the bowl to get those fragrant oils falling all over the salad, and squeeze in the juice from half a lemon for tang. Finally, a few tablespoons of garlic expressions bring a mellow yet powerful garlic punch that ties everything together. I always add a pinch of flaky salt and fresh cracked pepper here, then stir gently but thoroughly so every bite is a flavor explosion.

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Pro Tips for Making Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe

Don’t Skip Rinsing the Pasta: Rinsing removes excess starch and cools the pasta quickly, preventing it from turning mushy and helping the dressing cling better.
Use Quality Castelvetrano Olives: Their buttery, mild flavor is a game-changer in this salad—don’t substitute with anything too salty or pungent.
Toast Pine Nuts Lightly: Keep an eye on them while toasting; they go from fragrant and golden to burnt in seconds, which would throw off the flavor.
Adjust Blue Cheese Amount: Add gradually and taste as you go because too much can overpower, but just the right amount adds creaminess and tang.

How to Serve Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this salad with a little extra sprinkle of chopped parsley or even some finely sliced green onions for a mild onion bite. Sometimes I’ll scatter a few extra pine nuts on top for that wow factor and a tiny squeeze more fresh lemon juice right before serving to keep the brightness alive.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, which soak up those salty and citrusy notes perfectly. For vegetarian meals, I serve it alongside crusty bread and a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. It’s also perfect next to classic BBQ fare or tapas spreads—always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served the Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars layered with greens underneath, making it portable and pretty. Another fun way is to stuff it into hollowed-out cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for classy mini bites at parties. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This salad holds up well for 2-3 days, though I recommend giving it a gentle stir and maybe a pinch more lemon or salt before serving again to refresh the flavors.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe because the texture of the pasta and the creaminess of the cheese can suffer. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

This is one salad I eat cold or at room temperature. If you want it a bit warmer, let it sit out 15 minutes before serving, but reheating isn’t necessary—in fact, warming it might dull some of those fresh, bright flavors you worked so hard to build.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta than malfa corta for the Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While malfa corta is ideal because its short shape traps the dressing and ingredients nicely, you can swap in other short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or fusilli. Just make sure to cook them al dente and rinse well to prevent clumping.
What if I can’t find garlic expressions for the recipe?

If you can’t find garlic expressions, you can make your own by simmering garlic cloves gently in olive oil until fragrant and lightly golden. Cool the oil and use it in place of store-bought garlic expressions. Alternatively, a small amount of finely minced raw garlic works, but add it sparingly as it can be pungent.
How salty is this salad? Should I reduce the salt added?

This salad does have salty components—castelvetrano olives and their brine plus blue cheese—so be cautious with adding extra salt. I usually just add a pinch of flaky salt, then taste before adding more. You can always adjust to your preference!
Can I add any protein to make it a more filling meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even diced cured meats like salami pair wonderfully with this salad. Adding protein boosts the meal’s heartiness while complementing the briny, tangy flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s just so delightfully different. It’s one of those recipes that surprises friends and family with unexpected but completely addictive flavors. If you love briny, tangy, and savory bites with a fresh kick, you’ll enjoy every mouthful. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta salad!

Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Tweak to Your Taste

Step-by-Step: How I Make Dirty Martini Pasta Salad Recipe