Mediterranean Pasta Salad🥗 Side
Experience the bold tastes of Greece through this flavorful noodle dish that combines fresh crunchy produce, salty black olives, and zesty crumbled cheese with robust spiral pasta, dressed in a from-scratch vinaigrette.
By Jason Miller, Weeknight Cook & Household Coordinator
Shared by the Home Cook Assistant community ยท Reviewed for clarity
There is a quiet confidence to a dish like mediterranean pasta salad that comes from knowing every element has a purpose. This is not just another variation on a familiar idea. It is a well balanced plate where 16 oz rotini pasta, 1 english cucumber, diced come together in a way that feels both comforting and intentional, the kind of meal that makes a regular weeknight feel a little more cared for. Whether you are cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to something made with attention, this recipe rewards you with layers of flavor that belie how approachable it really is.
You will want to pay attention to two small details that make a big difference here. First, Read through the steps once before you start and have everything measured and within reach. A calm setup prevents the rushed mistakes that happen when you are chopping while something is already in the pan. Second, Season in layers rather than all at once. A pinch when you add the aromatics, another when the main ingredients go in, and a final adjustment at the end builds depth that one big addition at the start cannot match. These are not fussy chef tricks. They are the practical habits that separate a good version of this dish from a great one, and once you do them a few times they become second nature.
Pair it with a simple side that soaks up the extra sauce. Crusty bread, fluffy rice, or buttered noodles all work, and a crisp green salad on the side keeps the plate balanced without adding work. If this is your first time with mediterranean pasta salad, experience the bold tastes of greece through this flavorful noodle dish that combines fresh crunchy produce, salty black that the process is forgiving and the results are consistently satisfying. It is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation, not because it is complicated, but because it is reliably delicious and adaptable to what you have on hand.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Nutrition (Per 8 servings)*
* AI-estimated values only โ not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.
Instructions
Prepare the Salad
- Cook rotini pasta as directed on the package. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
Make the Dressing and Combine
- In a separate small bowl, create the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until well combined and dressing is evenly distributed. Serve.
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