Mediterranean Kale Pasta Salad (Sam’s Club CopyCat Recipe)

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Move Over, Sam’s Club – We’ve Got the Better Bowl!

Have you ever fallen in love with a store-bought salad, only to wonder, Could I make this at home—and better? That’s exactly how this recipe came to be. Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad has its fans (rightfully so), but let’s face it: there’s nothing like a homemade version tailored to your taste buds.

We’re talking perfectly al dente pasta, hearty kale, delicious sun-dried tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. This salad doesn’t just deliver—it conquers. Ready to recreate the magic in your own kitchen? Let’s do it!

This post is all about Mediterranean Kale Pasta Salad (Sam’s Club CopyCat Recipe).

Five Mistakes to Avoid with Pasta Salad

Pasta salad seems foolproof, but there are a few traps that can leave you with a bowl of regret:

1. Overcooking the Pasta
   Mushy pasta ruins the whole vibe. Cook it just shy of al dente, so it holds its shape and texture when dressed.
2. Skipping the Salted Pasta Water
   Bland pasta = bland salad. Salt the water like it’s the Mediterranean Sea—it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself.
3. Dressing Too Soon
   Dress hot pasta, and it’ll absorb too much liquid, leaving you with a dry salad later. Wait until it’s cooled slightly but not completely cold.
4. Ignoring Texture Balance
   Too much soft (looking at you, overcooked kale) or crunchy (hi, raw onions) can throw things off. Think about variety—tender pasta, hearty greens, and just a touch of crunch.
5. Overloading the Dressing
   Pasta salad needs just enough dressing to coat everything without drowning. Start small and toss before adding more. Remember, you can always add, but you can’t take away!

What is a Mediterranean Salad Made Of?

Ah, Mediterranean flavors—a symphony of freshness and boldness. A classic Mediterranean salad usually includes:

• Greens: Kale, spinach, or romaine.
• Veggies: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and sometimes bell peppers.
• Proteins: Feta cheese and olives bring the briny, salty goodness.
• Extras: Red onion or fresh herbs like parsley or oregano.
• Dressing: A simple vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.

In this pasta salad version, we keep those Mediterranean vibes alive with kale, sun-dried tomatoes, and a bright basil vinaigrette dressing that ties it all together.

Should You Rinse Pasta for Cold Pasta Salad?

Let’s settle the pasta-rinsing debate once and for all: YES, you should rinse your pasta with cold water—but only for a cold pasta salad like this one. Rinsing stops the cooking process and washes off excess starch, keeping the pasta from sticking together. It also cools the pasta down faster, which is key when you’re eager to toss it with fresh ingredients.

When Should You Dress a Kale Salad?

Kale is the MVP of sturdy greens, but it needs a little TLC to shine. Here’s the trick: dress your kale 15-30 minutes before serving. This gives the dressing time to soften the leaves without making them soggy. Bonus points if you massage the kale with the dressing—it makes it tender and more flavorful.

How Many Calories in Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad?

Sam’s Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad comes in at 350 calories per 1 1/4 cup serving (140 g). Our homemade version is lighter, with about 220 calories per cup. By swapping in nutrient-dense kale, controlling the amount of dressing, and skipping the preservatives, you’re not just saving calories—you’re boosting flavor and freshness too!

Nutrition Facts From samsclub.com

Ingredient Breakdown: What Makes This Salad Shine?

Let’s talk ingredients! Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect Mediterranean Kale Pasta Salad:

For The Pasta Salad

Campanelle Pasta

This elegant pasta shape captures dressing in its curves, making every bite flavorful. I love this pasta shape because I think it resembles Sam’s version – however, it is a personal preference!

Other pasta options that would work well with this recipe (click the links to shop on Amazon):

• Radiatori
• Ruffle Protein Pasta
• Bowties

Kale

Kale’s hearty texture holds up beautifully in salads and pairs perfectly with Mediterranean flavors.

Feta Cheese

Creamy and tangy, feta is a must for any Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan is a game-changer. Pre-grated or shredded Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents and preservatives that dull its flavor and compromise texture. When you grate it fresh, you get a cheese that’s more aromatic, melts beautifully, and packs a punch of nutty, salty goodness. Plus, the texture is finer, which allows it to incorporate seamlessly into your salad, coating every bite with a burst of umami. If you’re investing in quality ingredients, freshly grating your Parmesan is the easiest way to elevate your dish.

Sundried Tomatoes

Chewy and intensely flavorful, they bring a pop of umami and sweetness to the mix. I use these sundried tomatoes packed in olive oil from Amazon!

Pro tip: add 1 tbsp of the olive oil from the sundried tomatoes to elevate this dish a touch more!

For the Dressing

Olive Oil

A Mediterranean staple, olive oil is the heart of this dressing. For the best flavor, opt for Greek olive oil, known for its rich, fruity taste with a hint of peppery bite. Look for first pressed, cold-pressed olive oil, which is extracted without heat to retain its nutrients and vibrant flavor. The quality of your olive oil makes all the difference, so choose one labeled “extra virgin” for superior taste.

Basil Paste

Packs all the fresh herb flavor without the fuss of chopping. Click here to buy the same basil paste I use!

White Balsamic Vinegar

This adds a sweet tang that brightens the salad without overpowering it. Unlike regular balsamic vinegar, which is dark and syrupy with a bold flavor, white balsamic is lighter in both color and taste, making it perfect for delicate dishes like this. When shopping for white balsamic, look for one that’s made from Trebbiano grapes and aged for a smooth, balanced flavor. Avoid overly acidic or artificial-tasting varieties, and go for one that highlights its subtle sweetness.

Minced Garlic

A little garlic goes a long way in adding robust flavor.

THE SPICE GIRL KITCHEN ITALIAN or GREEK SEASONING

The secret ingredient for depth and balance. It may surprise you that I prefer using my Italian spice blend for this recipe because it is more of a rustic herb blend that I believe pairs well with the sundried tomatoes and kale. However, my very popular Greek blend will bring unexpected flavors like a touch of dill and a garlicky-herby flavor to this dish. Both would work great here!

SALT and PEPPER

Elevates all the flavors and ties them together. Of course, I recommend my Elements of the Earth Tri-Salt Blend and freshly cracked pepper!

You May Also Like

If you enjoy this recipe, check out some of my other Greek-style meals like:

• The BEST Mediterranean Flatbread
• Whipped Feta Dip with Honey
• Best Homemade Hummus (3 Ways!)

OR click here to browse my entire Greek category!

How to Store Mediterranean Kale Pasta Salad

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This salad keeps beautifully, but there are a few tips to make sure it stays fresh:

• In the Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The hearty kale holds up well, so you don’t have to worry about sogginess.
• Freshen It Up: Kale and pasta can absorb some of the dressing over time, so before serving leftovers, give it a quick toss with a little extra vinaigrette or a squeeze of lemon juice to bring it back to life.

This salad is perfect for meal prep or as a make-ahead dish for potlucks and parties. Just pull it out of the fridge, toss, and serve!

This post was all about Mediterranean Kale Pasta Salad (Sam’s Club CopyCat Recipe)!