Looking for a colorful, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion? This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty homemade dressing, this recipe combines vibrant flavors with the comforting texture of pasta. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, need a quick lunch, or want a flavorful side dish for dinner, this salad has you covered. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful dish!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumbers, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions for al dente texture (typically about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta firm and ready to absorb the dressing. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the broccoli into small florets, dice the bell pepper, slice the black olives, and finely chop the red onion. Shred the carrots, chop the cucumbers, and finely slice the fresh basil leaves.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well-emulsified. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, you can add a teaspoon of honey.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared vegetables, and fresh basil. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
5. Add the Cheese (Optional)
For a richer flavor, add crumbled feta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the salad. Toss lightly to incorporate.
6. Chill and Serve
Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve the pasta salad cold or at room temperature, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a versatile and nutritious dish that you can enjoy year-round. Its combination of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and tangy dressing is both satisfying and healthy. Plus, it’s easy to adapt—swap out vegetables for your favorites, or add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. With minimal effort and maximum taste, you’ll want to make this pasta salad again and again.
Next time you’re craving something light, vibrant, and utterly delicious, give this Mediterranean Pasta Salad a try. It’s a dish that’s sure to brighten up your table and delight your taste buds. Bon appétit!