This Mediterranean pasta salad is a colorful and tasty dish, packed with fresh veggies, olives, and feta cheese. Perfect for a light meal or a side dish at picnics!
Mixing everything together is like a party on a plate! I love making it ahead of time, so the flavors mingle while I relax. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—no cooking stress here!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its ability to hold onto the dressing and ingredients. If you don’t have rotini, feel free to substitute it with fusilli, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add a burst of sweetness! If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes work, but make sure to remove some juice and seeds to avoid sogginess.
Cucumber: Crunchy cucumbers are a must! If you prefer a different flavor, try bell peppers or even zucchini for a twist.
Kalamata Olives: Their briny taste is perfect here. If they aren’t available, green olives or even capers can add a nice salty kick.
Feta Cheese: This adds creaminess and tang. To keep it dairy-free, try using tofu feta or omit it altogether while adding some nuts for crunch instead.
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta properly makes all the difference! Follow these simple steps to get it right:
- Bring the water to a full boil before adding salt. It should taste a bit like the sea.
- Cook the rotini until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it quickly under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps it from sticking together.
- Make sure to toss it with a little olive oil if you’re not serving it immediately, to keep it from clumping!
By keeping an eye on these points, you’ll have great pasta for your salad that pairs beautifully with all those fresh ingredients!
Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced and quartered
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
Time Needed:
This delightful pasta salad will take you about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus a chill time of at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. So, you can whip it up quickly and let it set while you relax!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in the rotini pasta, cooking it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but cooked). Once done, drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, quartered cucumber, finely chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, and marinated artichoke hearts. Give it a gentle stir to mix them up nicely!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. This will be the zesty dressing that brings all the flavors together!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing.
5. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Now it’s time to fold in the crumbled feta cheese and the chopped fresh basil. This will add a creamy texture and fresh flavor to the salad!
6. Chill the Salad:
Take a moment to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a final toss and optionally sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a little added spice. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if you like! Enjoy your refreshing Mediterranean pasta salad as a light meal or a delightful side dish!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works great in this salad. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it can differ from traditional pasta. Follow the package instructions for the best results.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this Mediterranean pasta salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. You can also add more nuts or seeds for added creaminess and crunch!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
The beauty of this pasta salad is its versatility! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, spinach, roasted zucchini, or even artichoke hearts if you want extra veggies. Just make sure to keep the flavors fresh!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time, but be sure to give it a good stir before serving again!
