This pasta salad is a colorful mix of veggies, cheese, and pasta, making it a fun and tasty dish! It’s perfect as a side or a light meal on a hot day.
You can make it in no time, and it’s great for picnics or barbecues! I love adding my favorite dressing to give it a kick. Just mix, chill, and enjoy with friends! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is perfect for this salad, but you can substitute with any shape you like! Penne, fusilli, or rotini work just as well. Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes work fine. You can also use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor!
Cucumber: A crunchy, refreshing addition. If you want something different, consider bell peppers or even shredded carrots. Both bring their unique crunch to the salad.
Kalamata Olives: Their briny taste is key. If they’re not available, substitute with green olives or black olives for a milder flavor.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives that salty, creamy burst. If you’re dairy-free, try using crumbled tofu or nut-based feta as an alternative.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly for Salad?
Getting the pasta right is essential for a good salad. Start by boiling water in a large pot and add a generous pinch of salt. This adds flavor to the pasta!
- Check the package for cooking times, and aim for al dente—cooked but with a slight bite.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta, and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps it cool down for your salad.
Using cold pasta helps the salad stay refreshing and keeps the other ingredients crisp. Enjoy your Mediterranean twist!
How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz farfalle pasta (or your choice of pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and needs 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, in about 40 minutes, you’ll have a tasty salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This also stops the cooking process!
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, Kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. These colorful ingredients will make your salad look so inviting!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until combined. This dressing will add lots of flavor to your salad!
4. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together. Make sure all the pasta and veggies are coated with that tasty dressing.
5. Add Fresh Basil:
Now, toss in the torn basil leaves and give the salad another gentle toss. The fresh basil will bring a lovely aroma and flavor to your dish!
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is a great time for the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. If you’d like, add some more torn basil on top for a nice touch. Enjoy your refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great, you can substitute it with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times, and remember to rinse it under cold water after draining to cool it down!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this Mediterranean Pasta Salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta substitute. You can also add more vegetables or toss in some chickpeas for added protein and creaminess.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Just prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance. The flavors will continue to develop in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some dressing, so you might want to add a splash of olive oil or vinegar when you re-toss it before serving.
