Mediterranean Pasta Salad
A vibrant Mediterranean pasta salad with fresh vegetables, fragrant basil, and tangy dressing, perfect for light lunches, picnics, or summer gatherings with bold, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons green onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
- 12 oz. rotelle pasta ⓘ
- 1 small red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 small green bell pepper
- 1 small yellow bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato ⓘ
- 1/4 cup pitted black olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Process oil, vinegar, 2 tablespoons basil, green onion, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Put cooked and drained rotelle pasta, sliced bell peppers, tomato wedges, black olives, and cubed mozzarella in a large bowl.
- Pour in the dressing and toss to mix evenly.
- Roll cheese cubes in remaining 2 tablespoons basil to coat them.
- Add the coated cheese cubes to the salad and sprinkle with dried oregano.
- Toss lightly to combine all ingredients.
- Serve at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing. If you're out of fresh basil, try using dried herbs like oregano or thyme as substitutes. Opt for whole grain rotelle pasta for added fiber. This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is versatile; you can easily add ingredients like chickpeas or artichoke hearts for extra protein and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mediterranean Pasta Salad as a light lunch or a side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a delightful vegetarian option, serve it alongside a dish like Layered Vegetable Casserole. Garnish with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the taste. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent it from drying out. This dish can also be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mediterranean Pasta Salad contains roughly 435 calories, with 16g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (160% of the Daily Value), calcium (72% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2032mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy. Mixing everything right before serving allows the flavors to stay fresh and vibrant.
What can I substitute for the olives?
If you're not a fan of black olives, you can substitute them with green olives or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile. Both options will complement the Mediterranean theme of the salad without overpowering it.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
To make the Mediterranean Pasta Salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta of your choice. There are many options available made from brown rice, quinoa, or chickpeas that work well in this recipe and maintain a similar texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).