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

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
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.
Total time: 25 min · Yields 6 servings
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein-packed main meal.
Swap feta for mini mozzarella pearls for a milder, creamier texture.
Stir in a tablespoon of basil pesto for an extra layer of herbal depth.
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.
Yes, it is actually better if made 2 to 4 hours in advance so the flavors can meld.
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.
Short, textured shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle are best because their ridges hold onto the dressing and small ingredients.
For a cold salad, yes. Rinsing stops the cooking immediately and removes surface starch that would otherwise make the salad sticky.
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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