Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant dishes; nothing captures the season's essence quite like a Mediterranean Pasta Salad. Imagine biting into juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp Persian cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese mingled with the briny goodness of Kalamata olives and capers. Add to that the hearty texture of chickpeas, and you have a salad that's not just a side dish but a star on its own. 

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad stands out because of its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, planning a picnic, or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s light yet satisfying, making it ideal for warm summer days when you crave something refreshing.

To make the best Mediterranean Pasta Salad, here are a few tips:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and basil add a burst of flavor that dried herbs can’t match. They bring a vibrant green color and a fragrant aroma that elevates the dish.

2. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked to al dente. This prevents the salad from becoming mushy and helps it adapt well to the dressing and mix-ins.

3. Let It Chill: If you have time, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for an hour or two before serving. This melts the flavors beautifully, making every bite even more delicious.

One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to customize. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or throw in some roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for added flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless, and you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or whatever you have on hand.

Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad truly celebrates summer. It's a dish that brings people together, perfect for sharing with friends and family. So, next time you’re looking for a dish that’s both healthy and delicious, give this salad a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

pasta salad, Mediterranean, quick, easy, fresh, herbs, chickpeas, garbanzo beans, healthy, side dish, salad

side, salad

Mediterranean

Yield: 8

Author: Erika Barnett

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 8 MinTotal time: 18 Min

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish featuring a mix of cherry tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, capers, and chickpeas. Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing, it's perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light meal.

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Salad

• 16 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini work well)
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 persian cucumbers, diced
• 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ¼ cup capers, drained
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh dill
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Dressing

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is fully emulsified.
4. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, capers, parsley, and basil.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

https://www.dramaticdish.com/blog/mediterranean-pasta-salad