Salad · Side Dish · Lunch · Mediterranean

Cold Pasta Salad With Pitted Kalamatas

This vibrant cold pasta salad combines al dente rotini with salty kalamata olives, crisp vegetables, and a sharp lemon dressing for the perfect summer side.

4.6(357 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Cold Pasta Salad With Pitted Kalamatas — Mediterranean Salad served and photographed from above
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
6

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Noodle Prep

  1. 1

    Boiling Technique

    Cook the pasta in a large pot of heavily salted water until just slightly past al dente.

    Tip: Overcooking by 1 minute ensures the noodles stay soft even after they are chilled.

How to Make Cold Pasta Salad With Pitted Kalamatas

Total time: 25 min · Yields 6 servings

  1. 1

    Cook and Cool the Pasta

    Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain immediately and rinse under cold running water for 60 seconds to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.

  2. 2

    Whisk the Dressing

    In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the emulsion is thick and well-combined.

  3. 3

    Prep the Aromatics

    Halve the cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives. Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces and finely mince the red onion to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.

  4. 4

    Combine Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and stir gently until every noodle is coated.

  5. 5

    Chill and Set

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the vinaigrette and the olives.

Chef's Tips

  • Rinse the pasta thoroughly to prevent it from clumping together as it cools.
  • If making a day ahead, reserve half the dressing and add it just before serving to refresh the moisture.
  • Use high-quality pitted kalamatas for the best briny flavor profile.

What to Serve with Cold Pasta Salad With Pitted Kalamatas

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Serve in chilled ceramic bowls.
  • Perfect for outdoor picnics in insulated containers.

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein-packed main meal.

Variation

Swap feta for mini mozzarella pearls for a milder, creamier texture.

Variation

Stir in a tablespoon of basil pesto for an extra layer of herbal depth.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving as the dressing tends to settle at the bottom.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this cold pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it is actually better if made 2 to 4 hours in advance so the flavors can meld.

Why is my cold pasta salad dry the next day?

Pasta absorbs liquid as it sits. If it seems dry, simply stir in a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of lemon juice to loosen it up.

What is the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Short, textured shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle are best because their ridges hold onto the dressing and small ingredients.

Do I have to rinse the pasta with cold water?

For a cold salad, yes. Rinsing stops the cooking immediately and removes surface starch that would otherwise make the salad sticky.

Can I use black olives instead of kalamatas?

While you can use canned black olives, pitted kalamatas provide a much deeper, tangy, and salty flavor that defines this Mediterranean style.

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