This Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a burst of flavors with colorful veggies, tasty olives, and creamy feta cheese. It’s like a little sunshine on your plate!
Making this salad is a breeze! Just toss cooked pasta with fresh ingredients, and you’re set. I love enjoying it cold—it’s perfect for picnics or quick lunches. Yum! 🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great for this salad, but you can also use penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just pick a short pasta you like. Gluten-free options work too!
Cucumber: I use English cucumber for its thin skin and lesser seeds. If you can’t find it, try a regular cucumber but peel it to avoid bitterness.
Kalamata olives: They bring a rich flavor, but if you prefer, black olives or green olives can be used. Just pick ones you enjoy!
Feta cheese: I love crumbled feta for its creaminess, but goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese also works well for different tastes.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Has Great Flavor?
A delicious pasta salad starts with good flavoring from the dressing and fresh ingredients. Here’s how to boost it:
- Make sure to rinse your pasta under cold water after cooking to stop it from cooking further and help it stay firm.
- Mix the dressing well! The oil and vinegar combined with herbs add plenty of taste, so toss it thoroughly with the salad.
- Let the salad chill! Refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. A pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference!
How to Make Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean Pasta Salad will take about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. It’s quick to whip up and the waiting time helps all the flavors meld together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add your rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it’ll have a little bite to it. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Drain again to make sure there’s no excess water.
2. Combine the Fresh Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, gather your cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh spinach. Give it a good toss to mix the ingredients together.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This is your dressing, and whisking helps blend all the flavors nicely!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Using a gentle hand, toss everything together to ensure all the pasta and veggies are nicely coated in the dressing.
5. Add the Feta:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and gently mix again, being careful not to crumble the cheese too much.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Now it’s time to taste your salad! If you think it needs a little more salt or pepper, go ahead and add it until you get it just how you like it.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows all those yummy flavors to blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, it can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. A little fresh ground black pepper on top adds a nice touch too!
Enjoy your fresh, vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad! Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a quick lunch at home.
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can use any short pasta variety you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving as the ingredients may settle.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize the salad with other vegetables like bell peppers, artichokes, or zucchini. You can also add protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftover Salad?
Leftovers are best enjoyed chilled, but if you want to refresh the flavors, add a little drizzle of olive oil or vinegar before serving. It’s perfect as a side dish or light lunch on its own!
