This Mediterranean pasta salad is a tasty and colorful dish loaded with fresh veggies, olives, and yummy feta cheese. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a bright side dish at dinner!
Honestly, on hot days, this salad is my go-to. It’s nice and cool, and I could eat it for every meal! Adding a squeeze of lemon really brightens it up. So refreshing! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral shape is fun and holds dressing well. You can use any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and color. If they’re out of season, any diced tomatoes can work. Try using sun-dried tomatoes for an intense flavor twist!
Cucumber: A refreshing crunch in this salad! If you prefer, you can substitute with chopped bell peppers for a different texture.
Kalamata Olives: These bring a briny flavor. You can swap them for black olives or green olives if that’s what you have. I find black olives to be milder and they can be a great alternative!
Marinated Artichoke Hearts: They add tanginess. If you can’t find marinated ones, plain artichokes with a little extra lemon juice can work well too.
Feta Cheese: The salty bite of feta is perfect here. If you want a vegan option, try using crumbled tofu with nutritional yeast or any vegan feta alternative.
How Do I Perfectly Combine Flavors in My Pasta Salad?
Mixing the pasta salad just right is key for balanced flavors. After cooking and cooling the pasta, ensure you combine everything while the pasta is still slightly warm. This helps it to soak up the dressing better.
- When making the dressing, whisk it well so all ingredients are blended thoroughly. This way every bite is flavorful!
- Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes is important. This time allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
- Before serving, taste and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary. This ensures the flavors pop just right for you!
Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and then allows for at least 30 minutes of chilling time. So, in total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes to enjoy this delicious, refreshing salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This helps to cool it down quickly. Make sure you drain it well afterward to avoid excess water in your salad.
2. Mix the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, kalamata olives, chopped artichoke hearts, and finely diced red onion. This colorful combination will add both flavor and texture to the salad.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure it’s well-blended to ensure that all the flavors marry together nicely.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables in the mixing bowl. Toss everything gently until well-coated. You want each piece of pasta and veggie to soak up that delicious dressing!
5. Add Feta and Basil:
Next, fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves. The feta adds a creamy texture and a lovely saltiness, while the basil gives it a fresh aroma.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
Give your pasta salad a taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed. It should taste bright and flavorful!
7. Chill Out:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time allows all those flavors to meld together, making the salad super refreshing.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Just before serving, feel free to sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top if you like a little heat. Enjoy this vibrant, easy, and refreshing Mediterranean pasta salad as a light lunch or a colorful side dish!
FAQ for Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works great in this salad. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may cook differently than regular pasta. Rinse thoroughly after cooking to prevent it from becoming sticky.
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your Mediterranean pasta salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a gentle toss before serving, as the dressing may settle.
Can I Add or Substitute Other Ingredients?
Definitely! This salad is super versatile. Feel free to add grilled chicken, chickpeas, bell peppers, or even different cheese like mozzarella. The key is to maintain the balance of flavors and textures that make it refreshing!
Should I Serve This Salad Cold or at Room Temperature?
This pasta salad is best served chilled, as it enhances the fresh flavors. However, if you’re in a rush, it’s still delicious at room temperature. Just allow it to sit out for about 15 minutes after removing from the fridge before serving.
