Mediterranean Garden Herb Pasta Salad Supreme
A vibrant gourmet pasta salad inspired by Mediterranean flavors, featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed with crisp vegetables, creamy mozzarella pearls, briny olives, fresh herbs, and a bright homemade Italian dressing. This refreshing and colorful dish delivers the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and herbaceous flavors, making it ideal for picnics, summer gatherings, meal prep, and elegant side dishes.
Mediterranean Garden Herb Pasta Salad Supreme
shopping_basketIngredients
- Rotini Pasta1 lb (450g)
- Cherry Tomatoes2 cups, halved
- Cucumber1 large, diced
- Red Bell Pepper1, diced
- Red Onion1/2 medium, thinly sliced
- Kalamata Olives3/4 cup, pitted and halved
- Fresh Mozzarella Pearls8 oz (225g)
- Feta Cheese1/2 cup, crumbled
- Fresh Basil1/3 cup, chopped
- Fresh Parsley1/4 cup, chopped
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil1/2 cup
- Red Wine Vinegar3 tbsp
- Fresh Lemon Juice2 tbsp
- Garlic3 cloves, minced
- Dijon Mustard1 tbsp
- Dried Oregano1 tsp
- Honey1 tsp
- Fine Sea Salt1 tsp
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper1 tsp
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories
365
Protein
12g
Fat
19g
Carbs
39g
restaurantInstructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
Slightly firm pasta holds its shape better and prevents the salad from becoming soft after chilling.
Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta cools, wash and prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and prepare the olives, herbs, and cheeses.
Make the Italian Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Making the dressing from scratch creates a fresher flavor and allows you to balance acidity and sweetness perfectly.
Combine Pasta and Dressing
Place the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the dressing over the pasta and toss gently until coated. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors.
Add Fresh Ingredients
Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, mozzarella pearls, feta cheese, basil, and parsley. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Finish the Salad
Add the remaining dressing and toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice, salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Reserve a little dressing to refresh the pasta salad right before serving, especially if making it ahead.
Chill the Pasta Salad
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time allows the vegetables, cheese, and herbs to blend with the dressing.
Garnish and Serve
Before serving, bring the pasta salad close to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, extra feta, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside grilled chicken, seafood, sandwiches, burgers, or roasted vegetables.
Store Leftovers
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep chilled and stir gently before serving.
Refresh Before Eating
If the pasta salad has absorbed the dressing after refrigeration, add a splash of olive oil, lemon juice, or a spoonful of dressing before serving to restore its fresh texture.
Pasta salads are excellent make-ahead dishes because the flavors continue developing overnight.
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