Crowd-Pleasing Mediterranean Pasta Salad: Perfect for Any Occasion

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Transform simple pasta into a delectable cold salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

This versatile pasta salad combines al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, tangy olives, and a zesty homemade dressing that gets better as it sits.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
  • Serves: 10 people

Health Benefits

This pasta salad offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. The whole wheat pasta provides sustained energy and fiber, while the colorful vegetables deliver essential vitamins and antioxidants.

The olive oil-based dressing contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and the addition of fresh herbs adds beneficial phytonutrients.

With a good mix of vegetables and protein-rich ingredients like mozzarella, this salad provides a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound rotini pasta (or penne)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup kalamata olives, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente
    • Drain and rinse under cold water
    • Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking
  2. Prepare the Dressing:
    • Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic
    • Add Italian seasoning and Dijon mustard
    • Season with salt and pepper
    • Mix until well combined
  3. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Cut tomatoes, cucumber, and peppers uniformly
    • Finely dice red onion
    • Halve olives
    • Chop fresh herbs
  4. Assemble the Salad:
    • In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta and prepared vegetables
    • Add mozzarella pearls
    • Pour dressing over ingredients
    • Add fresh herbs
  5. Final Steps:
    • Toss everything together gently
    • Taste and adjust seasoning
    • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving

Additional Tips

  • Cook pasta slightly firmer than al dente as it will soften in the dressing
  • Reserve some dressing to refresh the salad before serving
  • Can be made up to 24 hours in advance
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein

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