Best 5 Mediterranean Fusilli Pasta Salad Recipes

Escape to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with our delectable Fusilli Pasta Salad. Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, this dish is a symphony of fresh ingredients that will transport your taste buds to a seaside paradise.

Dive into a medley of tender fusilli pasta, sun-ripened tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, briny olives, zesty feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette that brings all the elements together in perfect harmony.

This versatile salad is a culinary chameleon, adapting effortlessly to your dietary preferences. Craving a meatless feast? Omit the chicken and revel in the symphony of vegetables. Seeking a protein-packed delight? Succulent grilled chicken or tender shrimp add a satisfying savory dimension.

Vegetarians and vegans rejoice! This salad welcomes you with open arms. Simply swap the chicken or shrimp for roasted chickpeas, grilled tofu, or sliced avocado, and indulge in a plant-based paradise.

Gluten-free enthusiasts, fret not! Replace the fusilli with your favorite gluten-free pasta and savor every bite without compromise.

This Mediterranean Fusilli Pasta Salad is not just a meal; it's an experience. From its vibrant colors to its tantalizing aromas and delightful flavors, it's a dish that will leave you craving more. So pack your bags, embark on a culinary journey, and let the Mediterranean sun shine upon your taste buds.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MEDITERRANEAN FUSILLI PASTA SALAD

Mediterranean Fusilli Pasta Salad image

This is a light and easy summer salad. Have made it many times since I found it a while ago in a recipebinder. The recipe can of course be doubled or trebled for a crowd. What I mostly like about it is the twang and yet sweetness of the balsamic vinegar plus that the amount of oil is not overpowering. But that is a personal preference.

Provided by Chef Dudo

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 cup fusilli, uncooked
3 tablespoons red onions, finely chopped
1 cup tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup celery, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons kalamata olives, finely chopped
2 tablespoons capers
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons garlic oil
salt & freshly ground black pepper
3 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed

Steps:

Cook the pasta according to directions on the packet.
Drain and let cool.
Mix pasta with the onion, tomato, celery, basil, olives and capers.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, sugar and vinegar.
Gradually beat in the oil until an emulsion forms.
Pour this vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and season with salt and pepper.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator.
When it is cold, mix in the mozzarella.

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe image

This is one satisfying and flavor-packed cold pasta salad with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, rustic old-world salami, tangy olives, and mozzarella. A zesty Italian dressing brings it all together.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories Salad

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

¾ lb pasta, ((I recommend fusilli or rotini pasta) )
Kosher salt
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 bell pepper (any color, cored and chopped)
1 shallot (chopped)
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (6 ounces)
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
6 pepperoncini, (chopped)
6 to 8 ounces salami, (sliced into bite size pieces )
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, (torn (or mozzarella cheese balls))
½ cup packed chopped fresh parsley
½ cup packed chopped fresh basil leaves
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and black pepper

Steps:

Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until the pasta is cooked to al dante (don't forget to salt your water). Drain
In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the tomatoes, chopped veggies, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients together.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.1 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Cholesterol 26.9 mg, Sodium 748.4 mg, Fiber 2.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD

Mediterranean Pasta Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Categories side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 small shallot, minced
8 ounces dried fusilli pasta
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 medium vine-ripe tomatoes, chopped

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, shallot, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper together in a large bowl.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Add to the mixing bowl with the dressing.
Add the peppers, chickpeas, cucumber, feta, parsley and tomatoes to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD

Mediterranean Pasta Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories side-dish

Time 31m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

Kosher salt
1 pound tricolor pasta, such as bow tie or fusilli
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 to 3 teaspoons dijon mustard
Freshly ground pepper
2/3 to 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil, julienned
1/4 cup diced onion
2 large pickled pepperoncini peppers, diced
3 tablespoons halved black olives
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
1 1/2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1 1/2 tablespoons grated romano cheese

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente; drain, then rinse with cold water to cool.
Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette: Whisk the vinegar, mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in enough of the oil to make a smooth dressing; season with salt and pepper.
Combine the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, onion, pepperoncini, olives and oregano in a bowl. Add the cooked pasta, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the vinaigrette and both cheeses and toss. Chill until ready to serve.

FUSILLI PASTA SALAD

Fusilli Pasta Salad image

Oh this is so good!!! I have been making this recipe since 2003 from some magazine or other. I just love the olives and raisins together. Have always gotten many compliments from this simple yet delicious salad. Enjoy.

Provided by ChefRaylene

Categories Salad Dressings

Time 55m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1/2 cup white wine
1 1/4 cups golden raisins
8 ounces fusilli or 8 ounces corkscrew macaroni
1 1/2 cups Greek olives, pitted and quartered
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh basil, snipped
1 tablespoon shallots, minced or 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

Steps:

In small saucepan, heat the wine over medium heat just till warm. Add raisins and remove from heat. Let stand 15-30 minutes to plump; drain reserving wine. Set both aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water; drain again.
In large serving bowl, toss together cooled, pasta, raisins and olives.
In jar, combine reserved wine, olive oil, lemon juice, basil, shallots, mustard, salt and pepper. Cover and shake well to mix. Pour over pasta, toss to coat. Cover and chill salad for 3-24 hours. Before serving add nuts and toss.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 256.8, Fat 11.3, SaturatedFat 1.3, Sodium 313.2, Carbohydrate 34.7, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 11.6, Protein 4.8

Tips:

Prep Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, measure and chop all of your ingredients. This will make the cooking process go much smoother.

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme add a burst of flavor to any dish. If you can, use fresh herbs whenever possible.

Don't Overcook the Pasta: Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta is mushy and doesn't hold its shape well.

Season Your Dish: Don't be afraid to add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your dish. Seasoning is essential for bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.

Let Your Salad Chill: Before serving, let your salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to become more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Mediterranean fusilli pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer party or potluck. With its vibrant colors and flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting side dish, give this Mediterranean fusilli pasta salad a try.

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