If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a wonderfully satisfying texture, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all beautifully coated in a tangy, herby dressing that feels like a sunny getaway in every bite. This salad not only looks stunning on your table but is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, picnics, or as a refreshing side at your next gathering. Trust me, once you try this Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe, it will quickly become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s magic. Each component adds a unique layer of taste, texture, and color that makes this salad truly special. From the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes to the salty tang of feta and the rich aroma of oregano, these simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create something extraordinary.
- Rotini or bowtie pasta (12 oz): Choose pasta shapes that hold onto the dressing and veggies perfectly for every bite.
- Cherry tomatoes (1½ cups, halved): Sweet and juicy, they add a fresh pop of flavor and vibrant red color.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Adds a cool crunch that balances the salad beautifully.
- Kalamata olives (½ cup, halved): Their briny depth brings authentic Mediterranean flair.
- Red bell pepper (½ cup, diced): Sweet and crisp, it brightens the salad with color and texture.
- Red onion (⅓ cup, thinly sliced): Offers a mild sharpness that wakes up the palate.
- Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Creamy and salty, it ties all flavors together beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): A fresh herbal note that adds color and fragrance.
- Extra virgin olive oil (⅓ cup): The luscious base of the dressing that enriches every ingredient.
- Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a pleasant tang to brighten the dressing.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh acidity that lifts the salad to new heights.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle kick.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers an earthy, herbal backbone to the flavor profile.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Adds aromatic warmth that complements the salad’s freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor.
How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool Pasta
Start by cooking your choice of rotini or bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. The key is to cook it just until al dente so it holds up well in the salad and absorbs the dressing nicely. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely. This step ensures your salad stays refreshingly cool and prevents the pasta from sticking together.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Cheese
While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, slice the red onion thinly, and chop the fresh parsley. Crumble the feta cheese finely so it can spread its creamy texture throughout the salad. Having all your ingredients ready makes assembling this salad a breeze.
Step 3: Mix the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, bell pepper, red onion, crumbled feta, and fresh parsley. Toss them gently to distribute all the vibrant ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Keep whisking until the ingredients emulsify into a smooth, tangy dressing that promises to tie all those flavorful ingredients together.
Step 5: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the salad bowl and toss everything until the pasta and veggies are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, transforming the salad into a refreshing and harmonious dish.
How to Serve Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra burst of freshness and flair, sprinkle a few additional crumbles of feta cheese and a pinch of fresh parsley just before serving. If you like a little extra zing, a light drizzle of olive oil or a few lemon wedges on the side make wonderful finishing touches. These garnishes elevate the overall presentation and invite everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, but it also stands out as a delicious main course for vegetarians. Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread or pita to soak up the dressing, or add a cooling tzatziki dip on the side for an authentic Mediterranean spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this salad layered in a clear glass trifle bowl to show off the colorful veggies, or pile it high on a large platter for a festive gathering. For individual servings, use small mason jars or bowls, making it easy for guests to enjoy while adding charm to your table. You can even stuff it inside pita pockets for a portable Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad holds up well for up to 24 hours, making it a fantastic option for leftovers the next day. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as some dressing may settle at the bottom.
Freezing
Because this Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing is not recommended. The texture of cucumbers and tomatoes, as well as the creamy feta, can become watery and lose their signature freshness once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer, remove it from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving so it can lose the chill slightly, which enhances the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The olives and fresh veggies still give plenty of flavor, and you can add protein with chickpeas or tofu for a satisfying vegan option.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like rotini or bowtie are ideal because their twists and crevices hold the dressing and ingredients well, ensuring every forkful is packed with flavor.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe can be made up to one day ahead. Just store it covered in the refrigerator, and toss it again before serving to freshen it up.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make the salad gluten-free, simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the salad stays delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are fantastic additions that add heartiness and make this salad more filling if you want to enjoy it as a main course.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about how fresh ingredients and simple steps come together in this Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a celebration of colors, flavors, and textures that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this salad promises to bring a big smile to everyone’s face. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite recipe to turn to again and again!
Print
Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad combining rotini pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red bell pepper, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light summer side dish or picnic staple.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini or bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop further cooking.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, halved Kalamata olives, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every component is well coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop. Before serving, give it one last gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared up to one day in advance for convenience.
- For added protein, consider tossing in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need to accommodate gluten sensitivities or allergies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
