Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad will be a hit and your next summertime gathering. It’s light, refreshing, and chock-full of fresh vegetables. Plus, it’ll be ready in 30 minutes or less!

It’s just not summer, without a zesty, veggie-packed pasta salad to serve at backyard barbecues, picnics, and pot lucks. It’s a crowd favorite and goes well with just about everything

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 8 people

INGREDIENTS For Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

⭐16 ounces dried fusilli or farfalle pasta

⭐½ cup red onion , diced small or thinly sliced

⭐1 large English cucumber , sliced in half moons or triangles

⭐1 pint grape tomatoes , halved

⭐⅔ cup kalamata olives , halved or left whole

⭐14 ounces canned artichoke hearts , drained and quartered

⭐½ cup chopped basil or parsley

⭐½ cup vegan feta (see note for sub)

⭐¼ cup pine nuts (optional)

Dressing

⭐½ cup olive oil , extra virgin

⭐⅓ cup red wine vinegar

⭐3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

⭐1 ½ tablespoons dijon mustard

⭐2 teaspoons maple syrup (or preferred sweetener)

⭐2-3 teaspoons dried oregano

⭐1 teaspoon granulated garlic (or 1 clove fresh, minced)

⭐½ teaspoon granulated onion

⭐1 teaspoon sea salt , more to taste

⭐Fresh-cracked pepper , to taste

⭐½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS For Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

⭐Place pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water.

⭐Cook until al dente & according to package directions (about 9-10 minutes).

⭐Rinse under cold water to stop cooking , then drain well. Set aside.

⭐In a medium bowl, whisk all the dressing ingredients together. Adjust flavors as needed.

⭐It might taste a little tangy or salty, but it will be spread over a pound of pasta, so keep that in mind.

⭐Add the pasta, onion, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, artichokes, vegan feta, pine nuts, and basil in a large bowl.

⭐Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss to combine.

⭐Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Top with more vegan feta, basil and fresh-cracked pepper if preferred. Serve immediately.

NOTES:

⭐The dressing is easily adjusted by taste. Add more or less of the listed ingredients as needed.

⭐If you can’t find vegan feta, you can use shredded vegan parmesan or vegan mozzarella. You can also add cubed vegan cheese.

Vegan Feta – I’ve tried Follow Your Heart and Violife and they are both delicious!

⭐If you want to make this recipe ahead, just keep the dressing separate and toss right before serving.

Leftovers – store in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. The dressing will dry a little bit, but you can easily refresh it by stirring in a little oil or even a few splashes of water. Taste and add more vinegar or lemon if needed.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! This Mediterranean Pasta Salad can easily become gluten-free. Just use gluten-free pasta instead of regular. I really love this Jovial brand and I feel that the texture and taste are very similar to traditional pasta.

NUTRITIONAL INFO: