Looking for a refreshing pasta salad that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table? This Mediterranean pasta salad combines al dente fusilli pasta with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives, all tossed in a herbaceous vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer dinners, this dish can be prepared in advance and customized to your taste.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ red onion, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, halved
For the Mediterranean Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming sticky.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a large serving bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, dried mint, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and halved kalamata olives until all ingredients are well distributed.
Presentation Tips
For the most appetizing presentation:
- Serve in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients
- Garnish with extra feta cheese and fresh herbs
- Keep some cherry tomatoes and olives for topping
- Add a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving
- Consider serving on a bed of extra baby spinach leaves
Servings and Storage
This recipe yields 4-6 generous servings. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reserve some dressing to refresh the salad before serving if making ahead.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean pasta salad is more than just a side dish – it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and classic Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a light dinner, this versatile dish delivers both nutrition and satisfaction. The combination of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing creates a harmonious blend that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Try making it ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together for an even more delicious result.
Remember, you can always adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. This recipe serves as a perfect base for your own creative variations while maintaining its Mediterranean charm.