Craving a refreshing and vibrant dish? Dive into the world of pasta salads, where Mediterranean flavors meet wholesome ingredients for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

This Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad is a celebration of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty homemade dressing.

Ingredients List

Creating a delicious pasta salad requires a thoughtful combination of textures and flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Mediterranean pasta salad to life:

Salad Ingredients

3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
2 heaping cups halved cherry tomatoes
1½ cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups arugula
1 cup Persian cucumbers, sliced into thin half moons
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
½ cup minced fresh parsley
½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
¼ cup toasted pine nuts

Dressing Ingredients

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence or dried Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¾ teaspoon sea salt

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand makes preparing pasta salad a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Pot: For boiling the pasta to the perfect texture.
Colander: To drain the cooked pasta efficiently.
Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing all the salad ingredients together.
Small Bowl or Jar: For whisking or shaking up the dressing.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping vegetables and herbs.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: To ensure accuracy with your ingredients.
Salad Tongs or Large Spoon: For mixing and serving the salad.

Pasta and Dressing Preparation

The foundation of any great pasta salad lies in perfectly cooked pasta and a well-balanced dressing. Follow these steps to ensure your salad is flavorful and satisfying.

Cooking the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package directions, or until just past al dente. This slightly softer texture helps the pasta absorb the dressing and flavors from the other ingredients. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander.

To prevent the pasta from sticking together, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil while it’s still warm. Spread the pasta out on a baking sheet or large plate to cool to room temperature. This step ensures your salad won’t become mushy or clump together.

Making the Dressing

While the pasta cools, prepare the zesty Mediterranean dressing. In a small bowl or jar, combine:

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 minced garlic cloves
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence or dried Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¾ teaspoon sea salt

Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified. The flavors will be bold and tangy, but they’ll mellow once tossed with the pasta and vegetables.

Assembling the Pasta Salad

With your pasta cooled and your dressing ready, it’s time to bring all the vibrant ingredients together for a truly irresistible salad.

Combining the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled fusilli pasta. Top with the halved cherry tomatoes, cooked chickpeas, arugula, sliced Persian cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, torn basil leaves, minced parsley, chopped mint, and toasted pine nuts.

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Using salad tongs or a large spoon, gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Take care not to overmix, as you want to keep the vegetables crisp and the feta in nice crumbles.

Adjusting the Flavors

Taste your pasta salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add an extra squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, a pinch more salt, or a drizzle of olive oil for richness. Freshly ground black pepper can also add a subtle kick.

Tips for Best Results

Let it Rest: For the best flavor, let the salad sit for 15–30 minutes before serving. This allows the pasta to absorb the dressing and the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions: This pasta salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.

Serving, Decoration, and Storage

A beautifully presented pasta salad not only tastes great but also looks inviting on any table. Here’s how to serve, garnish, and store your Mediterranean pasta salad for maximum enjoyment.

Serving and Decoration

When it’s time to serve, transfer your pasta salad to a large, shallow serving bowl or platter. For a finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, and a light crumble of feta cheese over the top. A final drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a crack of black pepper will enhance both the flavor and the visual appeal.

If you’re serving this salad at a gathering, consider garnishing with lemon wedges on the side for guests who enjoy an extra citrusy kick. The vibrant greens, reds, and whites make this dish a true showstopper.

Storage Instructions

Pasta salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish, and proper storage will keep it fresh and delicious.

How to Keep Pasta Salad Fresh

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, but if the salad seems a bit dry after chilling, simply toss it with a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Can You Freeze Pasta Salad?

While you can technically freeze pasta salad, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can alter the texture of the vegetables and herbs, making them less crisp. If you do choose to freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, and thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Add fresh herbs and a bit of dressing to revive the flavors.

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