This vibrant Mediterranean pasta salad is a fresh, flavorful, and wholesome dish brimming with bold colors and robust ingredients. Combining al dente rotini pasta with a medley of crisp vegetables, olives, and a zesty vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutritional benefits and Mediterranean flavors. It offers the perfect balance of tanginess from the dressing, crunch from fresh veggies, and a hearty texture from the pasta. Ideal for make-ahead meals, this recipe can be enjoyed cold, making it a reliable go-to for busy days or warm weather gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rotini pasta
Cherry tomatoes (halved)
Cucumber (diced)
Yellow bell pepper (chopped)
Red onion (finely chopped)
Kalamata or black olives (sliced)
Feta cheese (crumbled)
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Extra virgin olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Lemon juice
Garlic (minced)
Dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-sensitive version.
Include sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for added flavor.
Replace feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Substitute red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a sweeter note.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended, as it may compromise the texture of the vegetables and cheese.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Rotini is ideal because its spirals hold onto the dressing and ingredients well, but penne or fusilli also work.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made up to a day in advance. The flavors develop even more when chilled.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely. It contains no meat and is rich in plant-based ingredients.

How do I keep the vegetables from becoming soggy?

Be sure to drain any excess moisture from the chopped vegetables and chill the salad shortly after combining.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead?

Yes, though homemade dressing offers a fresher and more authentic flavor.

What protein can I add to make it a full meal?

Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna are great options to make it more filling.

Does this salad travel well?

It’s an excellent option for potlucks or lunches since it stores well and doesn’t need reheating.

Can I freeze Mediterranean pasta salad?

Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh vegetables and cheese, which do not thaw well.

How can I reduce the sodium content?

Use low-sodium feta and rinse the olives before adding them to the salad.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Goat cheese or cubed mozzarella are great substitutes for a similar creamy texture.

Conclusion

Colorful Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a refreshing, nutrient-rich dish that is simple to prepare yet full of vibrant flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying it as a light weekday lunch, this recipe is sure to please a crowd and keep you coming back for more.

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Author: Mariem

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Description

Bursting with fresh veggies, olives, and rotini, this Mediterranean pasta salad is zesty, refreshing, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, and light lunches.

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package, then rinse under cold water and drain.
In a bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients.
Toss pasta with all chopped veggies, olives, and feta.

Pour dressing over and mix well. Chill 30+ minutes for best flavor

Notes

Can be made a day ahead. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.