Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

There’s nothing quite like whipping up this vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad that effortlessly captures the essence of summer in a bowl—because who says a meal can’t taste like a getaway to the Greek Isles? 🍅🧄🌿

The flavors are vibrant; the ingredients are remarkably healthy. Nothing could be more satisfactory, you know?

This is my Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe, and it’s a beauty. Rotini pasta forms the sturdy backbone of this dish, so it must be perfectly cooked.

Then, the not-quite halved cucumbers, the tomatoes that have burst from their skins, and the feta, Kalamata olives, and dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano are all mixed in to make a salad that will transport you to the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Rotini Pasta: A hearty base, rich in carbohydrates for energy.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, packed with antioxidants like lycopene.
• Cucumber: Refreshing and hydrating, low in calories.
• Kalamata Olives: Add a briny, savory flavor, rich in healthy fats.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy with a tangy kick, a source of protein and calcium.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, enhancing flavor and mouthfeel.
• Garlic: Aromatic and savory, boasts immune-boosting properties.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make this Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

1. Instructions for cooking rotini pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water. Add pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta. To cool the pasta, rinse it under cold water.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the cooled rotini pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumbers in a small dice, minced red onion, Kalamata olives sliced into bite-sized pieces, and feta cheese crumbled into a large bowl.

3. In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice with the following ingredients in a whirling fashion: minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use whirling motions to blend them together into a vinaigrette sour with vinegar and lemon and pungent with garlic and oregano. The dressing should be well blended and have a slightly creamy consistency when it’s done.

4. Dress the pasta salad ingredients in the large bowl with the dressing.

5. Mix all ingredients vigorously so that the dressing coats both the pasta and the vegetables.

6. Incorporate by tossing again gently. Add the chopped fresh parsley.

7. Sample the salad and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if required.

8. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. This is a necessary step thank you.

9. Prior to serving, ensure that the salad has received a final toss so that any dressing that may have settled at the bottom has been redistributed. Items within the bowl should be mixed well. Salad and dressing should be together in the bowl at serving time.

10. Chill the Mediterranean Pasta Salad or serve it at room temperature, and enjoy!

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Large bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Whisk or fork (for mixing vinaigrette)
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Wooden spoon or salad tongs (for mixing salad)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?You can indeed replace rotini with any short pasta, like penne or fusilli, if that suits your taste.
• What can I use instead of Kalamata olives?If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use black or green olives, but Kalamata olives give the salad an awesome taste that feels straight from the Mediterranean.
• How long will the pasta salad last in the refrigerator?It ought to remain good for approximately 3-4 days in the refrigerator, provided it is kept in a container that seals off the air.
• Can I make this salad vegan?Indeed, you can leave out the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative to make the salad friendly for folks who prefer a plant-based diet.
• Is it necessary to add red onion?You can leave it out or substitute in green onions if you want a milder onion flavor.
• Can I add protein to this salad?Of course, you can add protein in the form of grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Penne, farfalle, and fusilli can substitute rotini pasta for a similar texture and taste.
Grape tomatoes or larger tomatoes cut into small pieces can be substituted for cherry tomatoes.
Black or green olives may be used in place of Kalamata olives, depending on what you like.
Goat cheese or queso fresco can be used in place of feta cheese if you want to change up the texture and flavor.
You can substitute apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar in a recipe. Both impart a taste that is somewhat different from that of red wine vinegar.

Pro Tips

1. Prep Ingredients in Advance To save time, prepare all your vegetables and other ingredients in advance while the pasta is cooking. This allows for quick assembly once everything is ready.

2. Enhance the Flavor For deeper flavor, consider marinating the sliced red onions in a mixture of lemon juice and a bit of salt for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will mellow the sharpness of the onions and infuse them with a tangy taste.

3. Chill for Best Results Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour if you can. This additional time lets the flavors blend even more thoroughly for an enriched taste experience.

4. Use Fresh Herbs Consider adding additional fresh herbs, such as basil or mint, for an extra burst of freshness. This can complement the parsley and enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

5. Customize Your Dressing If you prefer a creamier dressing, whisk in a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt to the vinaigrette. This will add a nice tangy creaminess and a bit of protein to the salad.