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:
Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 389mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1.7mg