If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Packed with colorful veggies, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing, it’s like a sunny Mediterranean getaway served in a bowl. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic, serving it as a side at dinner, or enjoying it solo for lunch, this salad bursts with flavor and texture that make every bite memorable and delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one adds a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color that turns an ordinary pasta salad into something spectacular. Fresh vegetables bring crispness, olives introduce a salty punch, and the dressing ties it all together with tangy brightness.
- 12 oz rotini pasta: Perfect shape for holding onto all the delicious dressing and ingredients.
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Brings crisp, refreshing crunch to every bite.
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped: Offers a sweet, crunchy contrast and beautiful brightness.
- ½ cup red onion, finely sliced: Provides a nice zing without overpowering the salad.
- ¾ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Give that signature Mediterranean salty, briny flavor.
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, it’s the star cheese that makes this salad shine.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note that lightens the dish.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: The heart of the dressing, smooth and rich.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds a sharp and fruity punch to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Gives brightness and a citrusy lift.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses an earthy, aromatic Mediterranean flair.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Adds subtle savory depth.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To season everything perfectly.
How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente—meaning tender yet still slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This cools it down quickly and prevents clumping, prepping it perfectly to soak up the dressing later.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the pasta cooks, combine your dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This simple homemade dressing is where the magic happens, balancing tangy, savory, and aromatic notes that make this salad so irresistible.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley. Pour your dressing over the ingredients and toss everything gently but thoroughly so that every bite will burst with flavor.
Step 4: Add the Feta Cheese
Finally, fold in the crumbled feta cheese gently to maintain its creamy texture. The feta adds a luscious tangy contrast that beautifully complements the other vibrant components. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
For the best flavor, chill the Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows all the ingredients to marry and the dressing to infuse every bite with fresh, Mediterranean goodness.
How to Serve Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe even more inviting, consider sprinkling extra fresh parsley or a few small basil leaves on top right before serving. A light drizzle of olive oil or an extra crumble of feta cheese can also heighten the flavors and add an elegant finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood, making it a fantastic side for summer barbecues. It’s also a refreshing complement to Mediterranean mains such as roasted chicken, gyro wraps, or falafel. Plus, it’s so filling it can easily stand as a light main course for a vegetarian meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad layered in clear glasses for individual portions or spoon it into a hollowed-out bell pepper for a colorful edible bowl. You could also add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few artichoke hearts to create your personalized flair on the classic Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the feta cheese from becoming too soft or soggy, add it just before serving. This little tip helps maintain the salad’s texture and freshness.
Freezing
Because this salad includes fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture and flavor negatively. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days when stored properly.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary or advised. If you do prefer it slightly warmer, just let it sit out a bit after taking it from the fridge, but keep in mind the fresh crispness that makes the Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini is great because it holds the dressing well, but you can swap it for penne, farfalle, or even small shells depending on your preference. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives?
If Kalamata olives aren’t your favorite or you can’t find them, try black olives or green olives for a different but still tasty twist. Just remember these substitutions will slightly change the taste profile.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Just keep the feta separate until serving to maintain its texture, and it will taste fresh even the next day.
Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas all make excellent protein additions that turn this into a hearty, balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Using extra virgin olive oil and acid like red wine vinegar helps preserve freshness. Also, chilling the pasta after cooking and adding delicate ingredients like feta cheese right before serving helps keep everything crisp and tasty.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe that combines simple ingredients into a symphony of fresh, zesty, and satisfying flavors. Once you try making this at home, it will quickly become a go-to recipe for gatherings, meal prep, or whenever you want a taste of sunshine in your day. So grab your bowl and ingredients—your next favorite salad adventure awaits!
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Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Mediterranean pasta salad featuring rotini pasta tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all dressed in a zesty lemon and red wine vinegar vinaigrette with hints of garlic and oregano. This vibrant salad is perfect as a side dish, especially during warm weather.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Other
- ¾ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, finely sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Add feta cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese to distribute it throughout the salad without breaking it up too much.
- Adjust seasoning and chill: Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- This salad can be made up to a day in advance; however, add the feta cheese just before serving to keep it from becoming too soft.
- You can substitute rotini pasta with penne or farfalle if preferred for different textures.
