Can I make Mediterranean Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just remember to store it in the fridge, and the flavors will meld and enhance overnight.

How long does the Mediterranean Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

Generally, it will last about 3 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.

Can I add protein to the Mediterranean Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! You can easily add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp for a more filling meal.

What type of pasta can I use for this salad?

While rotini is suggested, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Just ensure it holds the dressing well!

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes! Simply omit the cheese and salami, and you’ll have a delicious vegan-friendly Mediterranean Pasta Salad. Swap in nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if you like!

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Name: Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini pasta; 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1 1/2 cups Persian cucumbers, sliced into rounds; 1 cup Kalamata olives, halved; 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped; 1/2 cup orange bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 8 oz smoked gouda cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes; 6 oz beef salami, cut into 1/4-inch cubes; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; Optional: Artichoke hearts; Optional: Feta cheese; Optional: Chickpeas

Description

This vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a refreshing, flavor-packed dish featuring rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, olives, smoked gouda, salami, and herbs. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weekday lunch, it’s a versatile and satisfying salad with a Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound rotini pasta
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 1/2 cups Persian cucumbers, sliced into rounds
1 cup Kalamata olives, halved
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
1/2 cup orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
8 oz smoked gouda cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
6 oz beef salami, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Optional: Artichoke hearts
Optional: Feta cheese
Optional: Chickpeas

Instructions

Cook rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine halved tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, pepperoncini, sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion.
Add the cubed smoked gouda and salami to the bowl.
Gently fold in the cooked and cooled pasta.
Add chopped fresh basil and any optional ingredients such as artichoke hearts, feta cheese, or chickpeas.
Toss everything together until evenly combined. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Use tri-color rotini for added visual appeal.
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Adjust ingredients based on personal preference or dietary restrictions.
For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or replace it with chickpeas.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook (pasta boiled only)
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 340
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Mediterranean pasta salad, summer salad, rotini salad, smoked gouda salad, easy pasta salad