Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Why You'll Love This Mediterranean Pasta Salad.

• Easy to Make: It's a simple dish to prepare, requiring basic cooking skills and minimal time in the kitchen. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together for an even tastier experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, attending a picnic, or looking for a refreshing side dish for dinner, Mediterranean pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that complements a wide range of main courses.
• Fresh and Vibrant Flavors: It incorporates a variety of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, all bursting with flavor and nutrients.
• Versatility: You can customize the salad with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients, such as olives, feta cheese, or even grilled chicken, beef or shrimp. It also pairs with many types of dressings.

Ingredients

• Pasta: Use short cooked pasta like fusilli, rotini, or penne.
• Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes works best but you can chop firm Roma tomatoes to use. These add a burst of sweetness and juiciness.
• Cucumbers: Any cucumber will work, but I used english cucumber. They add crunch to the salad.
• Kalamata Olives: Add a salty and briny element. Use pitted olives and either halve or slice them for easier eating.
• Red Onion: Provide a sharp, tangy bite. Slicing them thinly helps distribute their flavor evenly throughout the salad.
• Feta Cheese: Feta cheese lends a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Crumble it over the salad just before serving. You can use block feta to crumble or creamy feta.
• Herbs: Basil and Parsley adds a sweet and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Dressing: I used my signature lemon vinaigrette.

How To Make The Best Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

• Add salt to a pot of boiling water over medium heat and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the rice with cold water.
• Combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the ingredients for the dressing in another bowl and stir to combine.
• Pour the dressing all over the salad, then toss to combine.
• You can serve immediately or allow to chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Recipe Tips

Cook Pasta Al Dente: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, cook it al dente (firm to the bite). Rinse with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe, seasonal vegetables and herbs for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients are key to achieving the vibrant taste of Mediterranean cuisine.

Balance of Flavors: Aim for a balance of flavors - salty from olives and feta cheese, sweetness from cherry tomatoes, tanginess from lemon juice and vinegar (if using), and freshness from herbs and vegetables.

Prepare Dressing Separately: Mix the ingredients for the dressing in a separate bowl before adding to the salad. This ensures even distribution of flavors.

Let it Chill: After mixing all the ingredients together, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the salad more substantial and protein-rich.
2. Incorporate Other Vegetables: Experiment with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted eggplant for added depth of flavor.
3. Different Herbs: Besides basil, parsley, and oregano, try mint or cilantro for a unique twist on the traditional flavors.
4. Change the Pasta: While traditional Mediterranean pasta salads use shapes like fusilli or penne, you can also try using whole wheat pasta or even orzo for a different texture.
5. Vary the Cheese: Instead of feta, try using goat cheese or ricotta salata for a milder flavor profile.
6. Spice it Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning for a hint of spice and Middle Eastern flair.
7. Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the dressing for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
8. Nutty Crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts for added crunch and richness.