Yield: 4

Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

This fast and easy Mediterranean pasta salad recipe is a perfect choice for any potluck or weekend barbecue side dish! Light and refreshing, this is packed with classic Mediterranean flavors!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes

Ingredients

For Pasta Salad

  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (200 g)
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella, chopped (112 g)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (45 g)
  • 12 oz box rotini pasta (150 g)

For Pasta Dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive oil (125 ml)
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (60 ml)
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Fill a large stockpot with water and add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon olive oil.  Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. 
  2. Cook the pasta for 8 to 12 minutes depending on size, until just al dente.  
  3. Drain the pasta, rinse, and set aside.  If serving immediately, you may want to put the pasta in an ice bath to cool before draining and dressing. 
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, sugar, garlic, salt, and black pepper.  
  5. Halve the tomatoes and cut the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. 
  6. Drain and cut the mozzarella into 1/2" pieces. 
  7. In a large bowl add the cucumber, cheese, and tomato, then toss with the dressing mixture.  
  8. Pour this over the drained pasta and toss until the pasta is coated and the vegetables are nicely distributed.  You may mix in the chopped parsley now or wait until just before serving.
  9. Chill until ready to serve.  Best if chilled at least 30-minutes before serving. 

Notes

Add olives, feta, and bell peppers for a different flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 470Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 310mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 11g