This colorful Mediterranean pasta salad is packed with tasty veggies, olives, and feta cheese. It’s perfect for a quick meal or side dish on warm days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great for holding onto the dressing. If you don’t have it, any short pasta like penne or fusilli works well. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness balances the dish. If you’re short on fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes (drained) can work in a pinch. Alternatively, diced bell peppers can add a sweetness too.
Kalamata Olives: These add a briny flavor. If you’re not a fan, try black olives or green olives. You can even skip them if you’d prefer a milder taste.
Feta Cheese: I love the creaminess it brings. For a dairy-free version, try using crumbled tofu mixed with lemon juice for a similar texture. Vegan feta also exists and can be a great substitute.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta?
Cooking pasta just right is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a large pot of salted water. The water should taste like the sea! This will help flavor the pasta.
- Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. This helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time but check a minute early. Look for that ‘al dente’ texture—firm but not hard.
- As soon as it’s done, drain immediately and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down for the salad.
Perfect pasta is the backbone of a great pasta salad, so don’t rush it! Enjoy making your salad!
Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Veggies:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy Mediterranean pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. Total time: about 45 minutes. Perfect for meal prepping or a quick dish for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Make sure to drain it well to get rid of any excess water.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, Kalamata olives, sliced red onion, and baby spinach leaves. This colorful combination is full of flavor and nutrition!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until beautifully blended. This dressing will add a delicious zing to your salad.
4. Dress the Salad:
Now pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to make sure everything is well coated with flavor.
5. Add the Feta:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Carefully fold it into the mix without breaking the cheese too much.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Take a taste of your salad to see if it needs any extra seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if you like, to brighten the flavors!
7. Chill and Serve:
To let all those amazing flavors meld together, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature—both are delicious!
Enjoy your fresh, colorful Mediterranean pasta salad that’s perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or side dish! It’s a simple way to bring a taste of theMediterranean to your table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can substitute it with any short pasta, such as penne or fusilli. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options work well too!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta product or crumbled tofu mixed with lemon juice for a similar texture.
How to Make This Salad Spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can also serve it with a drizzle of hot sauce for an added kick!
