Name: Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 57 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian/Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/2 red onion, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (200 g); 1 English cucumber, diced; 4 oz fresh mozzarella, chopped (112 g); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (45 g); 12 oz box rotini pasta (150 g); 1/2 cup olive oil (125 ml); 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (60 ml); 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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This Mediterranean pasta salad recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a light pasta salad with a bright Mediterranean flavor. With ingredients like cucumber, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, this recipe will have you feeling as if you're on a warm beach somewhere in Greece or Italy. It's packed full of flavor from the fresh vegetables and herbs, and it's absolute perfection. Plus, there are many different ways that you can make this recipe your own.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

This pasta salad recipe is the perfect idea for your next potluck or weekend barbecue.It’s full of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices that bring together a light and refreshing dish that can be used as the main course or as the perfect side dish. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. You can have this delicious meal ready in less than 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.

If you like the Mediterranean flavor in this recipe then you will also love this light and easy Mediterranean couscous salad recipe. Of course, I always reach for the Greek chickpea salad when I want something light with more protein. Salads with fresh vegetables and tons of flavor never fail to please!

Can I Make This With Any Pasta?

That is one of the great things about this pasta recipe, you can use any shape pasta you like. Most times, even when a recipe calls for a specific shape of pasta, you can use whatever you have on hand.

That is because, in almost all cases, basic pasta is always the same. It is just the way it is rolled that changes. This can be great in situations where you want the noodle to absorb and carry the sauce or other ingredients but it will not change the taste of the recipe.

Other pasta shapes that can work with this recipe are fusilli, penne, orecchiette, farfalle, and even cavatappi. Use your imagination or whatever happens to be handy.

Do I Need to Rinse the Pasta After Draining?

Most pasta recipes will tell you to rinse your noodles under cold water after draining them from the boiling water. This is a good practice to get into if you are using olive oil and want a light coating on the noodles, however, it is not necessary for this pasta recipe.

If you will be letting the pasta sit for a time before you have the chance to toss it with the dressing, you can help prevent the noodles from sticking together by rinsing it. But like I mentioned before, it is not something that you have to do.

What Can I Use Instead of Mozzarella Cheese?

If you don't want to use fresh mozzarella, you can amp things up and change the cheese to feta cheese. It will give you a slightly different flavor to the pasta salad, but this can be a fantastic way to change up the recipe. Since feta is also very common in Mediterranean cuisine, it makes sense in this recipe.

Try using different cheeses as well as different vegetables to see what combination you love the most. Once you find your ideal combination, you can use that one always or simply keep changing it every time you make it for a new and unique Mediterranean pasta salad every time.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add to Mediterranean Pasta Salad?

Think of the vegetables listed in the recipe as a suggestion. There are so many other types that you can add to this dish. I think a recipe that can be easily changed to make something new each time or is easy to change to the tastes of your family and guests is important.

If you really want to swap things out, consider some of the additions below next time you make this pasta salad recipe.

Artichoke hearts
Sundried tomatoes
Olives (black, green, or kalamata)
Red onion or green onion
Bell pepper, sweet pepper, or banana pepper
Mushrooms

How Long is Homemade Mediterranean Pasta Salad Good?

Homemade pasta salad is usually good in the refrigerator for about four days. The longer the pasta salad spends outside of the refrigerator decreases the amount of time it will last, so be sure to keep it cold when you are not serving it. Also, make sure it is stored in an airtight container. This keeps it away from the air and keeps it fresh longer.

What Goes Into Mediterranean Pasta Salad?

Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Italian seasoning
Granulated sugar
Garlic
Salt
Black pepper
Red onion
Rotini pasta
Cherry tomatoes
English cucumber
Mozzarella
Fresh parsley

Handy Kitchen Tools

How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, sugar, garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Fill a large stockpot with water and add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

Cook the pasta for 8 to 12 minutes depending on size, until just al dente.

Drain the pasta, rinse, and set aside. If serving immediately, you may want to put the pasta in an ice bath to cool before draining and dressing.

Halve the tomatoes and cut the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.

Drain and cut the mozzarella into ½" pieces.

In a large bowl add the cucumber, cheese, and tomato, then toss with the dressing mixture.

Pour this over the drained pasta and toss until the pasta is coated and the vegetables are nicely distributed. Add parsley now or top when ready to serve.

Chill until ready to serve. Best if chilled at least 30-minutes before serving.

More Easy Salad Recipes

There is always room for salad before your meal or as a side dish. Below you will find a few more of our favorite salad recipes that are packed with flavor, vegetables, and super easy to whip up and share with friends and family. Make sure you print, pin, or bookmark these recipes to make soon!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 4