This colorful Mediterranean pasta salad combines tender rotini pasta, creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, crunchy bell peppers, and a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, family dinners, and make-ahead lunches.
Recipe Details
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Chilling time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the pasta salad
12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved1 cup mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella½ cup sliced black olives½ cup diced yellow or red bell pepper¼ cup finely diced red onion2 tbsp capers, drained (optional)¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
For the creamy dressing
½ cup mayonnaise¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil1½ tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice1 tsp Italian seasoning½ tsp garlic powder½ tsp salt, or to taste¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
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Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and let it drain thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables
Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, dice the bell pepper and red onion, and chop the parsley. Drain the mozzarella and capers.
Step 3: Make the creamy dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Combine everything
Place the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, bell pepper, onion, capers, and parsley in a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill and serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Toss again before serving. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or olive oil.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings using the ingredients above. Actual values vary by brand and portion size.
| Nutrient | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430–500 kcal |
| Protein | 12–16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40–48 g |
| Fiber | 3–5 g |
| Fat | 24–30 g |
| Sugar | 4–7 g |
Nut Information & Allergy Guide
- Nuts: No nuts are required in this recipe.
- Tree-nut allergy: Check the labels on pasta, dressing ingredients, and seasonings for possible cross-contact.
- Dairy: Contains mozzarella and Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Eggs: Mayonnaise usually contains eggs; choose egg-free mayonnaise if needed.
- Gluten: Regular pasta contains wheat. Use certified gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Mustard: Some Italian seasoning blends or prepared dressings may contain mustard.
- Olives and capers: These can be high in sodium, so adjust added salt to taste.
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta al dente: This helps the spirals retain their shape after chilling.
- Cool the pasta properly: Drain thoroughly so excess water doesn’t dilute the dressing.
- Use fresh mozzarella: Mozzarella pearls give the salad a soft, creamy texture.
- Balance the flavor: Add extra lemon juice or vinegar if you prefer a brighter, tangier salad.
- Keep it creamy: Reserve a little dressing and mix it in just before serving.
- Add extra protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna can make this a more filling meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reserve a little dressing to refresh the salad before serving.
Q2: Which pasta shape works best?
Rotini, fusilli, farfalle, and penne all work well because they hold the dressing and mix easily with the vegetables.
Q3: Can I make this without mayonnaise?
Yes. Replace the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing. You can also use a suitable dairy-free alternative.
Q4: Can I use feta instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely. Feta gives the salad a saltier, tangier Mediterranean flavor. Reduce the added salt if using feta.
Q5: How do I keep the salad from drying out?
Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. Reserve some dressing and stir it in before serving, adding a little at a time.
Q6: Can I add protein?
Yes. Grilled chicken, chickpeas, white beans, or tuna are excellent additions.
Q7: Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, provided you use vegetarian-friendly mozzarella and check that the pasta and other packaged ingredients meet your dietary requirements.
Q8: How long does it last in the refrigerator?
For best quality, consume within 3–4 days when refrigerated promptly in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below. Discard it if it has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Q9: Can I freeze creamy pasta salad?
Freezing isn’t recommended. The mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh mozzarella may separate, and the vegetables can become watery after thawing.
Q10: How can I make it healthier?
Use whole-wheat or legume-based pasta, replace some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, increase the vegetables, and adjust the cheese and olives to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta salad with grilled chicken, baked fish, burgers, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It also makes a delicious side dish for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks.
Enjoy your creamy Mediterranean pasta salad — fresh, colorful, tangy, and full of delicious texture!
