If you enjoy a flavorful pasta salad, then my Mediterranean Pasta Salad (made with a homemade balsamic vinegar salad dressing) will be right on time!
Mediterranean cuisine has a unique way of making you appreciate the fresh flavors and oils that come along with it. Positioned on the healthier side of things, Mediterranean dishes typically pair lean proteins with whole grains, lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and even healthy fats like olive oil.
Since summer is right around the corner, 'tis the season for cookouts, weekend grilling, and poolside gatherings. You can't attend an event during the summer and not come across a pasta salad!
The Mediterranean feta cheese crumbles add a little kick and flavor to this salad and the pasta will leave you fulfilled at the end. The cherry tomatoes, olives, and homemade balsamic dressing turn this good salad into a memorable one. The zesty dressing really makes the flavors come alive.
Like many pasta salads, I would suggest making it ahead of time. The cooked pasta and other fresh ingredients will benefit from being soaked in the dressing for a few hours. Aim for about 4 hours prior. However, this pasta salad can be made a day or so in advance too.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
If you enjoy a flavorful pasta salad, then my Mediterranean Pasta Salad (made with a homemade balsamic vinegar salad dressing) will be right on time!
Ingredients
- 12 oz. Tri Colored Rotini Pasta
- ⅓ cup Mediterranean Feta Cheese Crumbles
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 Chopped Cucumber
- ¼ cup Chopped Red Onions
- ¼ cup Chopped Black Olives
- 3 oz. Organic Arugula
For the dressing:
- ½ cup Balsamic Vinegar
- ⅓ cup Olive Oil
- 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp. Ground Mustard
- 3 tsp. Brown Sugar
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Oregano
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to instructions and set to the side when done.
- Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion and black olives into small pieces. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, ground mustard, black pepper, oregano and brown sugar then whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add all ingredients (except for the dressing) and toss together until blended.
- Pour dressing over tossed ingredients and toss everything together again.
- Serve immediately or prepare ahead.
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 199
- Fat: 2.8g
Keywords: Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Salad
Heather says
Gorgeous! I love anything with feta and this salad is no exception. Beautiful pictures and this recipe is to die for! Perfect to bring to every barbacue this summer
Eric says
Thanks Heather I really appreciate it!
Michele says
This has EVERYTHING that I love in a salad! Feta is one of my favorite things to eat in a salad. This looks so fresh and delicious!
Eric says
Michele I really enjoyed the Mediterranean Feta used in this one it really adds some flavor that I truly enjoyed. Thanks again!
Amanda Mason says
ummm...sold! Absolutely sold on this entire recipe!! I love all these ingredients...especially that dijon mustard in your homemade dressing. I'm a huge Mediterranean flavor person! I can't WAIT to try this!
Eric says
Thanks a lot Amanda! Please let me know how it comes out when you try it! Thanks again!
Anne Murphy says
Just what we need in this hot weather! I bet I could make that for dinner, and the family would love it.
Eric says
Thanks Anne! I think the family would really enjoy this one!
Sharon says
This would be great for all those cookouts that summer brings. An easy side that everyone will love.
Eric says
Yes Sharon this is great for any cookouts this summer! Thanks!
Kim @ Berly's Kitchen says
Mediterranean style salads have recently become some of my favorites. They're so light and flavorful. I could eat loads of them throughout the summer and be a happy girl! This one sounds so good. Wish I had the ingredients handy, so I could make one for lunch.
Eric says
Yes this is a great summer time go to. I was never a big salad person myself but the more I had the opportunity to taste some pretty good ones I started to give them a try.
Karyl Henry says
Yum, this salad looks so delicious! I love the combination of flavors and textures. This would make such a great addition to summer parties, especially since you can enjoy it at room temperature or cold
Eric says
Yes Karyl this is a great option for the summer. Thanks a lot!
prasanna hede says
Oh I love this salad,so refreshing,full of colors and perfect for summer!
Eric says
Thank you Prasanna I appreciate it!
Veena Azmanov says
Oh, a pasta salad is perfect for this summer. It is really so hot here right now we are living on juices, light salads and quick meals. So this would be perfect - love the dressing. Saving for later. Sounds so yum.
Eric says
Veena this is a perfect summer salad so thanks a lot!
Jenni says
This pasta salad looks so amazing! Love all the fresh flavors and colors! Perfect for summer!
Eric says
Thanks a lot Jenni!
Jenni LeBaron says
This is the perfect pasta salad to make with all of the lovely things popping up in my summer garden. Love all the chunks of feta too!
Eric says
Thanks a lot Jenni! That feta is a great addition.
Karly says
Delicious! Gotta try!
Eric says
Thanks Karly! I appreciate it.