This Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, all dressed in zesty olive oil and lemon. Perfect for lunch or a picnic!
I love how this salad comes together quickly and tastes so fresh. Plus, it’s great to make ahead! It’s like summer in a bowl! 🥗🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is perfect for this salad because it holds onto the dressing and other ingredients well. If you don’t have rotini, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and a burst of flavor. If you can’t find them, substitute with diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
Cucumber: A refreshing crunch! If you’re looking for a different flavor, you might try bell peppers or even radishes for some spicy kick.
Kalamata Olives: They bring a salty component. Substitute with green olives or skip them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy zing. You can swap it with goat cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Dressing?
The dressing is key for a delicious pasta salad, and it’s super simple to make! Follow these steps for maximum flavor:
- Whisk olive oil and lemon juice together in a bowl until well combined. This creates an emulsion that helps coat the pasta.
- Add dried oregano, salt, and pepper. They enhance the overall taste, so don’t skip them!
- Be sure to taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. You can adjust the acidity or seasoning to suit your preference.
Let the pasta salad chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend well. It’s even better the next day! Enjoy your colorful and tasty Mediterranean Pasta Salad! 🌱
Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced or quartered
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped (canned or jarred)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing pasta salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a chilling time of 30 minutes to let all the flavors come together. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s at a rolling boil, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it off and stop the cooking process. Set your pasta aside in a large bowl.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In the bowl with the cooled pasta, add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, pitted Kalamata olives, chopped artichoke hearts, and finely chopped red onion. This colorful mix adds great flavor and crunch!
3. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until well mixed. This dressing is what gives the salad its refreshing flavor!
4. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure that the pasta and veggies are evenly coated in the dressing.
5. Adding the Feta and Basil:
Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil. This step adds creaminess from the feta and a burst of herbal flavor from the basil!
6. Tasting and Adjusting:
Give your salad a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a little heat, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
7. Chilling the Salad:
Cover the pasta salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together for a truly delightful dish.
8. Serving:
Serve your pasta salad cold or at room temperature. It’s a wonderful meal on its own or a vibrant side dish for any occasion!
Enjoy this easy, vibrant, and healthy pasta salad that’s perfect for warm days and light appetites! 🥗🌞
FAQ for Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can use any short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Feel free to choose gluten-free pasta if needed!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors may even enhance as it sits, but be sure to give it a good stir before serving again!
Can I Substitute the Feta Cheese?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with crumbled goat cheese or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free option. The salad will still be delicious without it!
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
You can customize this salad with additional ingredients like bell peppers, grated carrots, or even spinach! Just chop them up and mix them in for extra color and nutrition.
