This Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad is colorful and fresh, loaded with tasty veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Tossed with a zesty dressing, it’s a perfect side dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I find that rotini holds onto the dressing beautifully. However, you can easily substitute with any short pasta like penne or fusilli if you prefer something different!
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness. If they’re out of season, use diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
Cucumber: A crisp cucumber is refreshing. If you want less crunch, you could use diced bell pepper instead. Zucchini works great too!
Kalamata Olives: These olives bring rich flavor. If you’re not a fan, green olives are a milder alternative, or you could skip them altogether.
Feta Cheese: I love using feta for its tangy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try crumbled tofu or simply leave it out for a lighter version.
How Do You Get the Right Flavor Balance in the Dressing?
Creating the salad dressing is key to this recipe. It’s simple and brings all the ingredients together. Start by whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar.
- Using fresh herbs? Just chop them finely and mix in.
- For a sweeter dressing, add a bit of honey or maple syrup.
- Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
After combining, let the dressing sit for a few minutes before adding to the salad, as it allows the flavors to marry beautifully.
Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean pasta salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare. After mixing all the ingredients together, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8–10 minutes, until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to drain completely.
2. Mix the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh baby spinach leaves. This colorful mix will make your salad vibrant and appealing!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until it’s fully combined and smooth. This dressing will add a zesty flavor to your salad.
4. Combine It All:
Pour your dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Add the Feta:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. You can either give it a gentle toss again or leave the feta on top for a beautiful presentation. Feta adds a creamy texture and salty flavor.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Now, it’s time to taste your salad! Feel free to add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. It’s all about your personal preference!
7. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a fresh side dish!
Enjoy your refreshing and delicious Mediterranean pasta salad! 🌿🍅🥗
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any gluten-free pasta variety you like. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may require different cooking times and methods.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give the salad a gentle toss before serving again, as the dressing may settle.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad with more veggies like bell peppers, artichokes, or zucchini. You can also include cucumbers for extra crunch, or even some fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the flavor!
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge and remember to give it a good toss before serving to ensure the dressing is well distributed.
