Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Experience all of the flavors of Greece In a bowl.

You might not be able to sail the clear blue waters of the Aegean sea, but with this Mediterranean Pasta Salad you can bring the flavors of Greece straight to your dining table. This quick and easy summer favorite is delicious and packed full of bright, zingy flavors. It’s colorful, versatile and very filling, excellent for your next potluck, party or gathering.

Al dente pasta is the perfect vessel to carry all the flavor this dish has to offer. Ripe cherry tomatoes and honey add a bit of sweetness, and cucumbers provide a nice freshness, with the feta cheese and olives adding in the right layer of saltiness. The slight bite of the red onion pairs nicely with the acidic tang of the dressing. Garlic and chili flakes kick up the heat level, but not in too spicy a way, adding in just the right touch. The extra virgin olive oil seems to elevate the body of this dish even further giving it a nice lusciousness and complements the olives already in the dish.

Healthy and Delicious

Brimming with wonderful fresh ingredients this herbaceous dish is not only delicious it is also very good for you. Heart healthy fats, protein and fiber fill you up and keep you satiated for hours, while also providing valuable vitamins and minerals. Like Vitamins A, C, potassium, iron and calcium. If you are looking for a little adventure on your plate, while still having a delicious meal that is also good for you, then look no further. This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is sure to please, both on taste and nutrition. It truly encompasses all of the benefits of the healthy Greek lifestyle, and all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

12 ounces dry farfalle pasta
1 English cucumber diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
2/3 cup kalamata olives sliced
4 ounces feta cheese crumbled
1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
2 teaspoons dried oregano minced
1 teaspoon honey
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, slice the olives, crumble the feta cheese, and thinly slice the red onion.

Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced oregano, honey, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared veggies. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

Step 5: For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Yes, you definitely can. This dish is excellent when made ahead of time, in fact I actually recommend that you do. It gives all the flavors time to marry together and harmonize. Follow the recipe as instructed then place your Mediterranean pasta salad in an air tight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Just be sure to remix the pasta before serving, then let it come to room temperature. You might want to add in a touch of extra salt or dressing too.

How much salt should I use in my pasta water?

Surprisingly most people do not add enough salt to their pasta water. A chef once told me that pasta water should taste like the sea, salty but not overpowering.

What if my onion has a really strong flavor?

If you have an onion that has a little too much bite, just cut the onions as instructed, then soak in a bowl of cold water for 5-10 minutes. This will produce a much milder flavor from the onions and remove some of that bite.

Can I make this dairy free?

Absolutely, simply substitute the feta cheese for your favorite non dairy cheese like Miyoko’s or Violife.

Serving Suggestions

I love how versatile this Mediterranean pasta salad is! You can easily fortify it by adding in kale, spinach or other leafy green. Toss in some chunks of baked chicken, a little hard salami, or a few sardines for a nice boost of protein. If you are a cheese lover like I am, experiment with different cheeses. Blue cheese is a great addition with a ton of extra flavor, and hard cheeses Parmesan or provolone make for subtle change in flavor that is sure to please.

The list of ingredients that pair well with this dish are extensive, from Sun-dried tomatoes to chick peas, or banana pepper to summer squash. It truly is hard to find veggies that don’t work well, you can even add those leftover roasted veggies from last nights dinner leftovers. If you enjoy the flavor, then there are no wrong answers.

Experimenting with other types of pasta is another way to change up the texture and flavor. If you can’t eat regular pasta because of dietary issues there are some incredible substitutes, like chickpea, or gluten free pasta. Just aim for the twisted, shorty pasta or something with ridges and texture. Those little nooks and crannies hold on to all that fantastic sauce.

Looking for other healthy recipes? Give this Roasted Vegetable Salad with Farro and Pomegranates a try, or for the cheese lover this super fresh Tomato, Basil and Blue Cheese Salad is just the right dish.