This easy pasta salad recipe is fresh, vibrant, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. It’s perfect for quick lunches, summer gatherings, or a healthy side dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, zesty, and refreshing flavor
- Quick and simple to prepare
- Family-friendly and perfect for sharing
- Loaded with wholesome, vegetarian ingredients
- Ideal for meal prep or picnics
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
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 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
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until slightly past al dente.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Drain the pasta, toss with a little olive oil, and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, chickpeas, arugula, cucumbers, feta, basil, parsley, mint, and pine nuts.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
- Adjust seasoning and serve your easy pasta salad recipe fresh or chilled.
Tips & Tricks
- Let pasta cool completely to avoid wilting greens
- Add grilled chicken or tuna for extra protein
- Swap arugula with spinach if preferred
- Toast pine nuts lightly for deeper flavor
- Use high-quality olive oil for best taste
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Add olives for a more Mediterranean twist
- Try mozzarella instead of feta for a milder flavor
- Great served cold or at room temperature
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 16g
FAQ
Can I make this easy pasta salad recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
What pasta works best?
Fusilli, rotini, or penne hold the dressing well.
How long does it last?
Up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, simply skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Absolutely, just rinse and drain them well.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended
- Reheating: Best served cold or at room temperature
Similar Recipes
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
A quick and easy pasta salad recipe with chickpeas, feta, and fresh herbs.Perfect for summer meals or meal prep.Ready in just 25 minutes and full of Mediterranean flavor.
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
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 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
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until slightly past al dente.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Drain the pasta, toss with a little olive oil, and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, chickpeas, arugula, cucumbers, feta, basil, parsley, mint, and pine nuts.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
- Adjust seasoning and serve your easy pasta salad recipe fresh or chilled.
Notes
- Add olives for a more Mediterranean twist
- Try mozzarella instead of feta for a milder flavor
- Great served cold or at room temperature
Conclusion
This easy pasta salad recipe is a go-to dish when you want something fresh, simple, and full of flavor. Whether for a quick lunch or a gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.