Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
If you crave a dish that’s just as perfect for laid-back lunches as it is for summer picnics, you’re going to love this Mediterranean Pasta Salad. Packed with vibrant veggies, briny olives, creamy feta, and tossed in a zingy homemade vinaigrette, it truly captures the sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite. It’s deliciously fresh, pleasingly colorful, and comes together with simple pantry staples—guaranteed to become your new go-to for every gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about Mediterranean Pasta Salad is that each ingredient brings something unique to the table, whether it’s bold flavor, crunchy texture, or eye-catching color. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap out too many elements—the magic is really in the mix!
- Rotini or Penne Pasta (12 ounces): Twisty rotini or sturdy penne catches all the delicious dressing—make sure to cook until just al dente for best texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy pops of sweetness that complement the tangy dressing and salty cheese.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Crisp and cooling, cucumber adds refreshing crunch that brightens every bite.
- Red Onion (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): For a gentle bite and beautiful purple flecks—slice as thinly as possible for milder flavor.
- Kalamata Olives (1/2 cup, pitted and halved): Their rich, briny depth gives this salad its irresistible Mediterranean flair.
- Roasted Red Peppers (1/2 cup, chopped): Sweet, smokey, and delightfully tender—they’re a wonderful contrast to crisp veggies.
- Feta Cheese (3/4 cup, crumbled): Salty and creamy, feta ties all the flavors together—it’s the heartbeat of this salad!
- Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Sprinkled on at the end for a burst of color and garden-fresh flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/3 cup): The base of our dressing—choose a good quality oil for the brightest taste.
- Red Wine Vinegar (3 tablespoons): For tang and balance, a classic Mediterranean choice that keeps things lively.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just one clove punches up the flavor without overpowering.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Earthy, fragrant, and essential for that unmistakable Mediterranean taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Don’t skimp—seasoning brings everything together beautifully.
How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your rotini or penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until just al dente, which helps prevent mushiness later. Once it’s done, drain and rinse under cold water right away—this stops the cooking and makes sure your pasta isn’t hot when tossed with veggies. Let it cool completely while you prep the salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a generous pinch each of salt and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until everything comes together into a glossy, aromatic vinaigrette. This zesty dressing will brighten and unify all the salad components.
Step 3: Assemble the Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Grab a large mixing bowl and tumble in your cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley. Gently toss everything together so the veggies and cheese are evenly distributed and all those gorgeous Mediterranean colors are on display.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour the freshly whisked dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Use salad tongs or two big spoons to toss until every piece is glistening and thoroughly coated. At this stage, give it a taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed—sometimes the feta and olives add quite a bit of saltiness on their own.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This quick rest allows the flavors to marry and the salad to get perfectly chilled—a must for that true Mediterranean Pasta Salad experience!
How to Serve Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Just before serving, sprinkle a bit more crumbled feta and extra chopped parsley over the top. A pop of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil can make it look even more inviting. These finishing touches add color and a boost of fresh flavor right before your guests dig in!
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and seafood—think lemony chicken skewers, simple grilled shrimp, or even salmon. For vegetarians, a platter of hummus, warm pita, or lightly roasted chickpeas alongside completes the meal and brings out even more Mediterranean flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Mediterranean Pasta Salad in a big, shallow serving bowl to showcase all its beautiful colors, or scoop individual portions into mason jars for a charming picnic presentation. For parties, you can even fork it into endive leaves or pile it atop big lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a superstar when it comes to meal prep! After mixing, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only deepen with time, making every forkful taste even more satisfying the next day.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for pasta salads with fresh veggies and cheese, as the texture can suffer. The veggies lose their crispness and feta can become crumbly and dry after thawing. For best results, keep it chilled in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.
Reheating
This dish is truly made for serving cold or at room temperature. If it’s been in the refrigerator and you want to take the chill off, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and enjoy afresh!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! Short, sturdy shapes like fusilli, farfalle, orecchiette, or even whole wheat options work beautifully in Mediterranean Pasta Salad. Just avoid delicate or thin noodles, as they won’t hold up as well with the loaded mix-ins and tangy dressing.
Is there a way to make it dairy free or vegan?
Definitely! To make a dairy-free or vegan Mediterranean Pasta Salad, simply swap out the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative or leave it out entirely—there’s still tons of flavor thanks to the olives, veggies, and zesty vinaigrette.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain and cool the pasta thoroughly before tossing it with the dressing, and assemble the salad just before serving if you’re prepping ahead. Keeping wet ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers chopped just before mixing in can also help maintain freshness!
Can I add extra protein?
Yes, this salad is extremely versatile. Add in cooked chicken, tuna, or chickpeas to make it a more filling main course. Each option pairs beautifully with the classic Mediterranean Pasta Salad flavors.
What’s the best way to transport it to a picnic or potluck?
Pack the salad in a sturdy, well-sealed container and bring the dressing separately if you’ll be eating much later—this keeps everything fresh and vibrant. Toss just before serving on-site, and don’t forget to bring serving utensils!
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is truly the kind of dish you’ll look for any excuse to make—whether for a potluck, as a hearty lunch, or just to celebrate the best flavors the Mediterranean has to offer. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and enjoy it as much as I do, because it’s honestly one of those recipes that never fails to win hearts (and hungry stomachs) every single time!
Print
Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep. With a mix of pasta, fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s a satisfying and easy-to-make option for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
- This salad is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
- You can add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
