Mediterranean Pasta Salad (No Mayo)
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a refreshing side dish filled with fresh vegetables and Feta cheese then topped with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. This is a tasty side dish for any dinner, cookout, or get-together.
Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Growing up in the Midwest, potlucks were a constant. Every family reunion, party, and church gathering featured a table overflowing with salads – usually with more mayo than greens! While I enjoyed classics like Caesar Pasta Salad and Cherry Fluff, nothing compared to the revelation that was this Mediterranean Pasta Salad. Packed with flavor and texture, it combined juicy tomatoes, cool cucumbers, salty olives, and creamy feta cheese in a bright and tangy vinaigrette. This Mediterranean Pasta Salad became my potluck go-to – easy to prepare, universally loved, and the perfect complement to any main course.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Flavorful– Fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Make Ahead– Easy to make in advance and enjoy later.
Easy– Made in only a few minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- Pasta– Pick any shape of pasta that you enjoy. In the pictures, I used Rotini pasta.
- Vegetables– I added fresh cucumbers, broccoli, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and black olives. You can add or take away any vegetable of your choice.
- Feta cheese– This gives it a little tanginess and a delicious flavor.
- Olive Oil and Red Wine Vinegar– This is the base of the dressing. You could substitute Apple Vinegar but the taste would be slightly different.
- Lemon Juice– A splash of lemon gives a little zippy fresh flavor.
- Honey– This adds a touch of sweetness and helps balance out the tart and tangy flavors. Granulated sugar would be a good substitute.
- Dijon Mustard– While I prefer the rustic flavors of Dijon, yellow mustard is very similar in flavor.
- Garlic Powder and Salt
*See the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for detailed instructions and a list of ingredients.
How To Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Place the pasta in a large bowl and set it aside to cool completely. I recommend tossing the pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the cucumber, broccoli florets, and red onion. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Assemble the salad: Stir together the cooled pasta and chopped vegetables.
- Make the dressing (optional): If you’re not using bottled Greek dressing, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, oregano, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle with Feta cheese. Enjoy!
Make Ahead and Storage Options
To make ahead: This salad is such a good side dish to make in ahead of time and eat when you’re ready. I recommend making it the day you will serve the dish for the best results. The vegetables tend to soften the next day.
To store: Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Helpful Tips
* Mediterranean Pasta Salad can be served at room temperature and sit out for up to 2 hours before storing in the refrigerator.
* “When in doubt, throw it out.” If you think the salad sat out too long or got overheated, play it safe and throw it away.
* Jalapeños would add a nice kick if wanting to add more spice.
More Side Dish Recipes
Did you try this recipe? If so, please leave a ⭐ review below and tag me @whiskfulcooking on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Mediterranean Pasta Salad (No Mayo)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 medium cucumber diced
- 1 cup broccoli chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 small red onion sliced
- 1/4 cup Feta cheese crumbled
- 1 cup Greek dressing bottled or homemade (see below)
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. Place the pasta in a large bowl and set it aside.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the cucumber, broccoli florets, and red onion. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Add the vegetables to the pasta.
- To make the dressing: whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, oregano, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing (bottled or homemade) over the pasta salad and toss to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle with Feta cheese. Serve and enjoy!
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