Variation
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Salad · Lunch · Side Dish · Mediterranean
Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Sun Dried Tomatoes
This mediterranean pasta salad features al dente fusilli tossed in a sharp herb vinaigrette with sun dried tomatoes and salty feta cheese.
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
6
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Pasta Base
- 1
Boil the Pasta
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until just al dente.
Tip: Do not overcook the pasta, as it will soften further once it absorbs the dressing.
Dressing
- 1
Whisk Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Tip: Shake vigorously in a mason jar for the best emulsion.
How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Sun Dried Tomatoes
Total time: 25 min · Yields 6 servings
- 1
Cook and Cool Pasta
Boil the pasta in heavily salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
- 2
Prep the Vegetables
While the pasta cools, chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and sun dried tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion and halve the kalamata olives.
- 3
Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, sun dried tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- 4
Dress and Toss
Pour the herb vinaigrette over the salad components. Toss thoroughly with large spoons to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the oil and vinegar.
- 5
Chill and Serve
Add the fresh parsley and toss once more. For the best flavor, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Chef's Tips
- Rinsing the pasta with cold water is essential for cold salads to prevent them from becoming sticky.
- If the salad looks dry after chilling, add a small splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Soak red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to remove their harsh bite.
What to Serve with Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Sun Dried Tomatoes
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
- Serve as a standalone light lunch
- Pack for a beach picnic or park outing
- Serve alongside grilled proteins
Recipe Variations
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Variation
Swap feta for small mozzarella pearls for a milder flavor.
Variation
Add a tablespoon of capers for extra brininess.
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This salad does not freeze well.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can I make mediterranean pasta salad the night before?
Yes, this salad is excellent when made ahead. The pasta absorbs the vinaigrette over time, deepening the flavor profile.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Always cook the pasta to al dente (firm to the bite) and rinse it immediately in cold water to stop the residual heat from cooking it further.
What is the best pasta shape for a mediterranean pasta salad?
Short, textured shapes like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle are best because their ridges and nooks hold onto the dressing and small vegetable pieces.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun dried?
This recipe uses both. The sun dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, chewy sweetness that fresh tomatoes lack, so try to keep both for the best texture.
Is mediterranean pasta salad healthy?
Yes, it is packed with heart-healthy fats from olive oil and fiber from fresh vegetables, making it a balanced vegetarian option.
What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
Lemon juice or white wine vinegar are the best substitutes to maintain the necessary acidity in the dressing.
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