Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

Category: Salads & Side dishes

This Mediterranean pasta salad is a colorful mix of fresh veggies, olives, and tasty feta cheese. It’s light, healthy, and perfect for any meal, plus it’s super easy to make!

Whenever I make this salad, I can’t help but munch on it straight from the bowl. It’s great for picnics or as a quick side dish. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! 🍅🥗

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rotini Pasta: This shape holds the dressing well, but you can use penne, fusilli, or any short pasta you prefer. If you’re gluten-free, try chickpea or lentil pasta.

Cherry Tomatoes: For a burst of sweetness, grape or cherry tomatoes are fantastic. You could use chopped bell peppers if you prefer a crunchier texture.

Cucumber: A refreshing addition! You could substitute with zucchini or even shredded carrots if you’re looking for a different texture.

Kalamata Olives: These are perfect for a briny kick. If you can’t find them, green olives can work as a substitute, though the flavor will be milder.

Feta Cheese: Feta gives great tanginess. If you’re dairy-free, consider vegan cheese or omit it altogether for a lighter version.

How Do I Properly Cook Pasta for Salad?

Cooking pasta correctly is key to a good pasta salad. To keep the pasta firm, follow these steps:

  • Boil water in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt—this flavors the pasta.
  • Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
  • Test for doneness. It should be al dente, which means it’s firm and slightly chewy.
  • Drain the pasta in a colander, and rinse it under cold water. This helps stop the cooking and keeps it from sticking.

Taking these simple steps ensures your pasta salad is not soggy and maintains a delightful texture!

Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 12 oz (about 3 cups) rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
  • 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced and quartered
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of spice

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful Mediterranean pasta salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, with an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in just under an hour, you can have a refreshing dish ready to impress your family or guests!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add your rotini pasta. Follow the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Make sure to drain it well before transferring it to a large mixing bowl.

2. Add Fresh Vegetables:

Now that your pasta is ready, it’s time to add some color and crunch! Toss in the halved grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered cucumber, pitted kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, and the chopped artichoke hearts. Looks delicious already!

3. Prepare the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This will be the dressing that brings everything together.

4. Mix It All Together:

Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined, making sure all the pasta and veggies are coated in that yummy dressing.

5. Add Feta and Basil:

Next, sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil. Toss very gently so the cheese doesn’t crumble too much and the basil is evenly distributed.

6. Season to Taste:

Give your pasta salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.

7. Chill and Serve:

Cover your salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps all those fantastic flavors meld together. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy your fresh Mediterranean pasta salad cold or at room temperature!

Bon appétit! Enjoy every delightful bite of your refreshing salad! 🥗✨

Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

FAQ for Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the rotini with any gluten-free pasta of your choice, such as chickpea or brown rice pasta. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions for the best texture.

How Long Can I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may become even more intense as it sits, but make sure to stir it well before serving again!

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a day in advance, just keep in mind that the vegetables may release moisture. For the freshest taste, add the feta cheese and basil right before serving.

What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?

If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, you can use crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Alternatively, you can simply omit the cheese for a lighter salad!

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