Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

Category: Salads & Side dishes

This Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad is like a little vacation on your plate! Made with colorful veggies, olives, and a tasty dressing, it’s both refreshing and filling.

Perfect for picnics or quick lunches, I love how simple it is to throw together. Plus, it tastes even better the next day! Who knew pasta could be this fun? 🍅😄

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its ability to hold sauces and dressings. You can swap it with any spiral pasta or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. If they’re out of season, you can use sun-dried tomatoes for a concentrated flavor.

Cucumber: The crunch from cucumbers is refreshing. If you prefer a different texture, you could use bell peppers or zucchini instead.

Artichoke Hearts: Canned or jarred artichokes work best here. If you can’t find them, diced pickles can mimic their tangy flavor.

Kalamata Olives: These olives add a rich taste. If you’re not a fan, green olives or capers are excellent substitutes.

Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings creaminess. For a dairy-free version, try using tofu feta or leave it out entirely.

How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Stays Fresh?

To keep your pasta salad fresh and delicious, focus on these key tips:

  • Rinse the pasta after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Ensure you toss ingredients gently. This keeps everything intact and avoids breaking up the pasta and veggies too much.
  • Let it chill! Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows flavors to mix beautifully.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay tasty for about 2-3 days.

Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 12 oz rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, sliced into half-moons
  • 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (canned or jarred, drained)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. After that, it needs at least 30 minutes to chill in the fridge, allowing all the delicious flavors to meld together. In total, plan for about an hour to enjoy this refreshing dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cooking the Pasta:

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This cools it down quickly and stops the cooking process.

2. Mixing the Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, quartered artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and finely diced red onion. This mixture will create a colorful base for your salad.

3. Making the Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy—this dressing is what brings all the flavors together!

4. Dressing the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently, making sure each piece is coated perfectly in the delicious vinaigrette.

5. Adding the Finishing Touches:

Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped basil. These ingredients will add a lovely layer of creaminess and herbaceousness to the salad.

6. Final Adjustments:

Take a taste of your salad, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick!

7. Chill and Serve:

Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or at room temperature.

8. Enjoy!

Your Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s perfect as a light lunch, picnic side, or even a complement to grilled meats. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days—if it lasts that long!

Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the rotini with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, as cook times may vary.

Can I Prep This Salad in Advance?

Yes, you can prep this salad a day in advance! Just prepare all the ingredients and toss them together without the dressing. Wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.

What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Feta Cheese?

No worries! If you don’t have feta cheese, you can simply leave it out or replace it with a different cheese, like goat cheese or mozzarella. For a dairy-free option, you could use vegan cheese or omit the cheese entirely.

How Do I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should remain fresh for about 2-3 days. When ready to eat, just give it a gentle toss and enjoy!

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