Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Pasta Salad is among the most impressive pasta salads a home chef can make to impress a crowd.
Cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese are mixed with rotini and drizzled with homemade Greek dressing to create this colorful and appetizing pasta salad!
This pasta salad, like caprese pasta salad and Italian pasta salad, is easy to make, but also so colorful and appetizing alongside everything else on any table!
![Mediterranean pasta salad is a dish best served cold. Filled with fresh veggies like cucumbers & tomatoes, olives, artichokes, chickpeas, and feta cheese, this healthy salad is always a fan favorite. Toss with a homemade Greek dressing and they won't be able to resist! #mediterraneanpastasalad #pastasalad #salad #spendwithpennies plated Mediterranean Pasta Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1200-Mediterranean-Pasta-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
Ingredients in Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- Pasta: I love rotini in this pasta salad but use any medium shape.
- Vegetables
- Chop fresh tomatoes into bite-sized pieces or use cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Slice fresh cucumbers into thin rounds for a refreshing crunch. I prefer English cucumbers. If using field cucumbers peel them first and scrape out the seeds.
- Dice red onion into small pieces. I often soak diced onions in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.
- Flavorful Additions:
- Choose oil packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best for flavor and texture. If you have only dried ones, rehydrate them in warm water for a few minutes before chopping.
- Use either kalamata olives or black olives and be sure they’re pitted. They add a briny and salty flavor.
- Drain and rinse canned chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) to remove any excess liquid and sodium.
- Canned artichoke hearts are light and fresh in flavor.
- Feta cheese: Crumble the feta cheese into small, bite-sized pieces or substitute it with grated Parmesan.
- Dressing: Use store-bought Greek dressing or the homemade version in the recipe below.
![Elevate your taste buds with this Mediterranean pasta salad recipe bursting with fresh, vibrant veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, artichokes, and olives, complemented by protein-rich chickpeas and tangy feta cheese. Best served chilled, top it off with a homemade Greek dressing to create an irresistible side dish that will leave your guests wanting more. #mediterraneanpastasalad #pastasalad #salad #spendwithpennies ingredients for Mediterranean Pasta Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Mediterranean-Pasta-Salad-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
How To Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Have this pasta salad on the table in 3 simple steps. Just cook the pasta, make the dressing and combine together with fresh crunchy veggies!
- Pasta: Cook pasta al dente per the recipe below.
- Dressing: Whisk together or shake the ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and set aside.
- Combine: Place all ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine.
Refrigerate for at least one hour. Before serving, garnish with extra crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley. Feel free to add a side of croutons or breadsticks for a little extra crunch!
![For a refreshing and healthy fan-favorite, serve Mediterranean pasta salad. Packed with fresh veggies such as cucumbers, tomatoes, artichokes, and olives, along with protein-rich chickpeas and feta cheese, this salad is even more irresistible when tossed with a homemade Greek dressing. #mediterraneanpastasalad #pastasalad #salad #spendwithpennies pouring dressing onto Mediterranean Pasta Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Mediterranean-Pasta-Salad-SpendWithPennies-6.jpg)
Must-Try Pasta Salad Recipes
Did you love this Mediterranean Pasta Salad? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
![Mediterranean Pasta Salad topped with fresh herbs](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2-Spend-With-Pennies-Mediterranian-Pasta-Salad-4-168x168.jpg)
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean pasta salad recipe is filled with fresh veggies and topped with a homemade Greek dressing for an irresistible dish!
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Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop from cooking.
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If making homemade dressing (in the notes below), combine all ingredients in a jar and shake.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, drained sun-dried tomatoes, diced red onion, diced artichokes. olives, and chickpeas.
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Pour 1 cup of dressing (or more to taste) over the salad, toss to combine.
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Add feta cheese and fresh parsley and toss gently to mix.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend. Garnish with extra feta cheese and parsley if desired.
- The pasta will soak up dressing as it sits to be sure to dress the salad generously.
- This pasta salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Homemade Dressing
In a jar, shake the following.
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup light olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt & pepper to taste
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Calories: 283 | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 273mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 325IU | Vitamin C: 10.5mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1.6mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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![Mediterranean pasta salad is a dish best served cold. Filled with fresh veggies like cucumbers & tomatoes, olives, artichokes, chickpeas, and feta cheese, this healthy salad is always a fan favorite. Toss with a homemade Greek dressing and they won't be able to resist! #mediterraneanpastasalad #pastasalad #salad #spendwithpennies bowl of Mediterranean Pasta Salad with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/NP-Mediterranean-Pasta-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-1.jpg)
![For a refreshing and healthy fan-favorite, serve Mediterranean pasta salad. Packed with fresh veggies such as cucumbers, tomatoes, artichokes, and olives, along with protein-rich chickpeas and feta cheese, this salad is even more irresistible when tossed with a homemade Greek dressing. #mediterraneanpastasalad #pastasalad #salad #spendwithpennies Mediterranean Pasta Salad with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SP-Mediterranean-Pasta-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-3.jpg)
![Mediterranean pasta salad is best served chilled and is a favorite among fans of healthy dishes. It contains an array of fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, along with olives, artichokes, chickpeas, and feta cheese. Add a homemade Greek dressing to take it to the next level and leave your guests wanting more. #mediterraneanpastasalad #pastasalad #salad #spendwithpennies close up of Mediterranean Pasta Salad with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LP-Mediterranean-Pasta-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
![To enjoy a healthy and refreshing dish that will satisfy any crowd, serve this Mediterranean pasta salad! Its vibrant colors and flavorful ingredients, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, artichokes, chickpeas, and feta cheese, make it a fan favorite. Toss with a homemade Greek dressing for a taste that will leave everyone wanting seconds. #mediterraneanpastasalad #pastasalad #salad #spendwithpennies ingredients to make Mediterranean Pasta Salad with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SP-Mediterranean-Pasta-Salad-SpendWithPennies-3-.jpg)