We bring our easy Mediterranean pasta salad with feta recipe to potlucks and it always gets raving reviews. It can be served as a side dish for a barbecue or you can add chicken for a healthy lunch served cold.
Looking for a healthy cold pasta salad recipe? I have two to choose from! You just can’t meat the great flavors associated with Mediterranean food, and pair that with al dente noodles is dish you are going to make over and over again.
If you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet (aren’t we all) and keep your weight line trim these two recipes are great for that. Keep them cold as we did here or make vegetable pasta salad still a bit warm with a bit of a char on the veggies.
Ingredient Notes
- I box farfalle pasta bow tie style, I like ours a bit al dente
- Cucumber diced
- Avocado sliced in cubes
- Container of small grape tomatoes, or sun dried
- Sliced black olives sliced
- Feta cheese
- 1/4 medium red onion diced
- Olive oil vinaigrette is used for the pasta salad dressing
- could use half red wine vinegar is desired
- Italian dressing works as well
Variations and Substitutions
Strawberries and diced sun dried tomatoes are other optional ingredients. Feel free to mix homemade dressing ingredients together yourself if you have one that you love for this. Of course if you can find fresh olives more power to you but you may need to grab a jar of them at the store.
Black are fine but if you can find a jar of Kalamata olives they’re even better! We add those to our Mediterranean roasted vegetables and it takes it over the top. Add a handful of diced fresh strawberries if you choose which makes for a bit of sweetness to this Mediterranean pasta salad, but either way it is really tasty!
Can I use any type of pasta to make pasta salad?
Yes, you can use various types of pasta for this cold pasta salad. Popular choices include penne, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle (bowtie) pasta. Whole wheat or gluten free pasta can be used as well to accommodate dietary preferences but cooking times for that will take less time.
Tips for Success
Cook the pasta according to instructions on package, I like it a bit al dente, drain, run cool water over the top to stop the cooking process and place into a large serving bowl.
Add all other salad ingredients after cutting into bite size pieces, mix well. For best results, and the most pungent flavor, place in fridge covered with plastic wrap for an hour before serving. Great side dish for a BBQ or a few lunches topped with fresh parsley to make it pretty
Can I add protein?
Absolutely! If you prefer a heartier salad, you can add protein to your Mediterranean Pasta Salad. Grilled chicken drumsticks, shrimp, or diced salami are popular options. You can also incorporate chickpeas, cannellini beans, or grilled tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Is Mediterranean Pasta Salad served hot or cold?
This is typically served cold or at room temperature, making it a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing cold Mediterranean side dish on hot summer days. However, you can also enjoy it slightly warmed if desired.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta, bow tie or farfalle, boiled to al dente
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 small avocado, barely soft, sliced in cubes
- 1 container tomatoes, grape
- 2/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced black
- 4 oz feta cheese
- 1/4 medium red onion, diced
- 1 cup olive oil vinaigrette
- 6 large strawberries, optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to instructions on package, I like it a bit al dente, drain and place into a large serving bowl to cool.
- Add all other ingredients after cutting into bite size pieces, toss together with dressing.
- Serve immediately, or place in fridge covered with plastic wrap until ready to eat, great side dish for a BBQ or a few lunches!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can I make Pasta Salad in advance?
Yes, this is a great make ahead side dish. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. You can prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance, keeping it refrigerated and covered until ready to serve.
Just add a bit more dressing and give it a quick toss before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Other Easy Side Dishes for a Potluck
If you’ve never added fruit to a salad it really brings a bright and sweetness that is a great balance and you may be surprised at just how much you enjoy it. As a tasty lunch or a side dish for a potluck or barbecue with friends served in a pretty bowl that keeps it cool like this one, it is always a hit!
- Our potato salad no mayo is great but load it up and make our bacon pasta salad too.
- Our easy ambrosia recipe is a sweet treat for dessert or just on the side.
- Savory monkey bread can be great too
- Or make smoked bread if you are cooking outside and want something else
You can use this same dressing on spiraled vegetables too like our raw carrot salad, shredded cucumbers and more. If you do have leftovers it will save well for 1-2 days. You will want some extra dressing to toss inside when you enjoy it again as it will dry out a bit in the cold fridge while being stored.
