This Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, fresh veggies, olives, and tangy feta cheese. It’s refreshing and perfect for picnics or quick meals!
Making this salad is a breeze—just cook the pasta, chop the veggies, and toss everything together. I love having it ready in my fridge for those hunger pangs! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: This recipe calls for rotini, but feel free to use other short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works great too for a healthier twist!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry or grape tomatoes are perfect for sweetness and color. If they’re out of season, you can use sundried tomatoes for a tangy kick or even canned diced tomatoes, drained.
Cucumber: A medium cucumber adds a refreshing crunch. If you want a different taste, try using zucchini or even bell peppers. For a bit of spice, add some radishes!
Kalamata Olives: These add depth to the salad. If you’re not a fan, you can swap them for green olives or skip them entirely. Capers also make a nice alternative!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives it a delicious creamy finish. If you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can use tofu feta or leave it out altogether.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta just right is key to a great salad. Follow these tips:
- Use plenty of salted water for boiling; it helps flavor the pasta.
- Cook until al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Check the package time, but start tasting a minute or two before that.
- Once done, quickly drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down, making it perfect for the salad.
Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Veggies:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Cheese & Herbs:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a quick and refreshing salad that can be enjoyed shortly after preparation or kept in the fridge for later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Mix the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, Kalamata olives, quartered artichoke hearts, and finely chopped red onion. Give everything a gentle stir to mix.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
4. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing. This is where the magic happens—no one wants a dry pasta salad!
5. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and the freshly chopped basil leaves, taking care not to break up the feta too much. This will give your salad a lovely creamy texture.
6. Chill and Serve:
Give your salad a taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. It’s best to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving; this allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. After chilling, serve it cold or at room temperature, and enjoy your fresh and vibrant Mediterranean pasta salad!
FAQ About Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the rotini with any gluten-free pasta of your choice, such as chickpea or quinoa pasta. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package as gluten-free pasta may have different cooking times.
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
This Mediterranean pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep! Just give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing may settle a bit.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese or substituting it with a plant-based feta alternative. This will still give the salad a delicious, creamy flavor while maintaining its Mediterranean flair!
What Are Some Variations I Can Try?
Feel free to get creative! You can add protein such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans for added substance. For a bit of crunch, toss in some pine nuts or sunflower seeds. Roasted red peppers or spinach also make a great addition!
