With crisp veggies, sundried tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy vegan feta crumbled throughout, this Mediterranean pasta salad makes for the perfect addition to all your backyard BBQs and get togethers this spring and summer! 

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Welcome to the perfect addition to your spring and summer gatherings – a vibrant and satisfying vegan Mediterranean Pasta Salad. Bursting with crisp veggies, savory sundried tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy vegan feta, this salad is not only delicious but also packs a punch of nutrients. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a casual get-together, this salad is sure to impress!

Ingredients for Mediterranean Pasta Salad

for a full and detailed list of ingredients, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post

I love this Mediterranean pasta salad because it’s fresh, vibrant, and easily customizable! Here’s what you’ll need to make it, plus any substitutions:

For the Dressing:

• Olive oil: is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, and using extra virgin olive oil provides a rich flavor. If possible, I recommend using a good quality olive oil! You can substitute with another type of oil such as avocado oil or sunflower oil.
• Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a acidity to the dressing. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar for a sweeter touch.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a depth of flavor and acts as an emulsifier in the dressing. If you prefer, you can use whole grain mustard or stone-ground mustard for a slightly different taste.

For the Pasta Salad:

• Short Pasta Noodles: The recipe suggests using short pasta noodles like campanelle, fusilli, or rotini. Feel free to substitute with any shape of pasta you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta for added fiber, or gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Kale: Kale adds a nutritious boost and lovely texture to the salad. If you’re not a fan of kale, you can substitute with spinach, arugula, or mixed greens.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: These provide a sweet and tangy flavor. If you prefer, you can use rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes (if using dry-packed tomatoes, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes) or fresh cherry tomatoes for a different texture.
• Vegan Feta Crumbles: Provides a creamy and tangy element to the salad. If you can’t find vegan feta, you can substitute with crumbled tofu marinated in lemon juice and herbs, or use a different vegan cheese of your choice.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a bright and herby flavor. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill.

How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Much like most pasta salad recipes, this Mediterranean pasta salad comes together easily and fairly quickly! Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Dressing:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper until well combined. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta & Assemble the Salad:

• Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain, but do not rinse.
• Transfer the noodles to the large bowl with the dressing, and toss to combine. Add the rest of the pasta salad ingredients, aside from the vegan feta and fresh basil, and toss once more to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Once ready to serve, add the vegan feta and basil, and toss to combine.

3. Refrigerate:

• Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures a delicious outcome.

4. Garnish and Serve:

• Before serving, garnish the pasta salad with additional vegan feta crumbles and fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean!

Tips and FAQs

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, which means it’s tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy salad.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
• Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
• Customize Ingredients: Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or grilled eggplant for extra flavor.
• Add Protein: To make it a more substantial meal, consider adding protein such as chickpeas, grilled tofu, or marinated tempeh.
• Garnish Just Before Serving: Add fresh herbs and extra vegan feta as a garnish just before serving to enhance the presentation and flavors.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta noodles to make this salad gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients, including the vegan feta, are also gluten-free.

How long does this Mediterranean pasta salad last in the refrigerator?

This salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the kale may wilt slightly over time, but the flavors will continue to meld together.

Storage Instructions:

After preparing the salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Enjoy chilled!

More Pasta Salad Recipes

Pasta Salad Season is the Best Season

I hope you love this Mediterranean pasta salad with garlicky pistachio breadcrumbs as much as I do! If you try this dish and enjoy it, I wanna know! Snap a photo, take a video, or make a story and post it to Instagram or TikTok, and tag me at @eat_figs_not_pigsand #EatFigsNotPigs. I love seeing your recreations of my recipes!

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Ashley

With crisp veggies, sundried tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy vegan feta crumbled throughout, this Mediterranean pasta salad makes for the perfect addition to all your backyard BBQs and get togethers this spring and summer!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Pasta Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean, Mediterranean-Inspired

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

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For the Dressing:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 4 cloves fresh minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper, plus more to taste

For the Pasta Salad:

• 1- pound short pasta noodles
• 4 cups destemmed and finely chopped kale
• 1 8.5-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 6-ounce can artichoke hearts in water, drained and halved or chopped
• ½ cup pitted black olives, cut in half
• ½ cup pitted green olives, cut in half
• 1 cup vegan feta crumbles, plus more for garnish
• ½ cup fresh minced basil

Instructions

 

• To make the dressing, whisk all the ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined. Set aside.
• Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain, but do not rinse.
• Transfer the noodles to the large bowl with the dressing and toss to combine. Add the rest of the pasta salad ingredients, aside from the vegan feta and fresh basil, and toss once more to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Once ready to serve, add the vegan feta and basil, and toss to combine.
• To serve, garnish with more vegan feta, and enjoy!

Keyword backyard bbq, easy vegan recipes, healthy pasta salad, mediterranean flavors, pasta salad recipe, quick and delicious, spring and summer recipes, vegan bbq ideas, vegan pasta salad

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