Mediterranean Pasta Salad Bowl
A refreshing and healthy Mediterranean Pasta Salad Bowl perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean diet with this easy-to-make recipe.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 Mixing Bowl for combining salad ingredients
- 1 Whisk for dressing
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the olives, crumble the feta cheese, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the fresh parsley.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Make the dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine and serve
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the Mediterranean Pasta Salad Bowl chilled or at room temperature. It makes a perfect light lunch or a side dish for grilled meats.
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Notes
Pro Tips: Choose pasta with ridges or twists to hold the dressing better. Balance the flavors by adjusting vinegar and mustard to taste. Prepare the salad a few hours in advance for best results. Ingredient Substitutions: Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture. Substitute whole grain or gluten-free pasta if desired. How to Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature, perfect for picnics or as a side dish. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the salad a day in advance and dress just before serving for freshest taste.