Jamie Oliver’s Simple Pasta Salad Copycat Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Simple Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for summer lunches, picnics, or casual dinners. Packed with crisp cucumber, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, baby spinach, and crumbled feta, it’s a colorful, easy-to-make salad that everyone will love.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

This pasta salad combines fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and creamy feta with perfectly cooked pasta for a light yet satisfying meal. It’s simple, versatile, and can be customized with a fresh chili for a touch of heat.

What Is the Dish?

A refreshing vegetarian pasta salad featuring pasta shells, cucumber, tomatoes, basil, baby spinach, and feta cheese, tossed with olive oil and red wine vinegar.

Cooking Tips

• Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a soggy salad.
• Remove tomato seeds for a fresher taste and less liquid in the salad.
• Use fresh basil for maximum aroma and flavor.
• Refresh cooked pasta under cold running water to cool and stop cooking.
• Adjust olive oil and vinegar to taste for a balanced dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Other Pasta Shapes?

Yes, fusilli, penne, or farfalle can be substituted for shells.

Can I Add Protein?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be added to make it more filling.

Is This Dish Vegan?

Omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Yes, assemble the salad and refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving for best flavor.

Can I Add Heat?

Yes, finely slice a fresh red chili or sprinkle in chili flakes for a spicy kick.

How to Store

Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss gently before serving to redistribute dressing.

How to Freeze

Freezing is not recommended, as fresh vegetables and feta lose texture and creaminess when thawed. Serve fresh for the best quality.

Ingredients

• 300g dried pasta shells
• 1 cucumber, coarsely grated
• 500g ripe tomatoes, halved and grated
• 1 bunch fresh basil (30g), torn
• Optional: 1 fresh red chili, finely sliced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar
• 125g baby spinach
• 80g feta cheese, crumbled

How to Make Jamie Oliver's Simple Pasta Salad

1. Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and refresh under cold running water.
2. Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid. Grate halved tomatoes, discarding seeds and skins.
3. In a large bowl, mix cucumber, tomatoes, most of the basil, and red chili (if using) with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
4. Tip cooled pasta into the bowl and toss to combine. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Arrange baby spinach on a platter or lunchbox base. Pile pasta salad on top. Scatter crumbled feta and remaining basil leaves. Serve immediately.