It was a sunny Saturday afternoon. I was in the kitchen, thinking about my recent trip to the Mediterranean. The sun and markets made me want to make a colorful dish.

I chose a Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad. I mixed green basil, juicy cherry tomatoes, and colorful pasta. It was perfect for summer.

This salad was full of flavor and healthy. It’s great for picnics or casual dinners. A zesty dressing made it all come together.

This Mediterranean recipe became one of my favorites. It lets me enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean anytime I want.

Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad

I love Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad for its bright flavors and easy recipe. It mixes pasta with colorful veggies and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for any event, big or small.

The mix of Mediterranean tastes is exciting and filling. It’s also good for vegetarians. Every bite is fresh and full of good stuff.

This salad is more than food; it’s a feast for the eyes and taste buds. It makes everyone happy, knowing they’re eating something healthy and tasty.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad

To make a tasty Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad, I pick fresh ingredients. This salad is healthy and looks great, perfect for any event. Here’s what you need:

• 12 oz of tri-color rotini pasta
• ½ cup Italian salad dressing
• 3 stalks of finely chopped celery
• 1 pint of halved cherry or grape tomatoes
• ½ cup of sliced black olives
• 1 tablespoon each of dried basil and oregano
• ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

This mix of ingredients brings together great flavors and textures. The tri-color rotini and fresh veggies make the salad pop. You can also add baby spinach, cucumbers, or crumbled feta for more variety. Feel free to change the amounts to suit your taste!

How to Make Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad is simple and quick. Here’s how I do it:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water. Cook the tri-color rotini until al dente. Drain and cool.
2. Prepare the Veggies: Chop the celery and halve the cherry tomatoes while the pasta cooks.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with dressing, celery, tomatoes, olives, basil, oregano, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This lets the flavors meld.
5. Serve and Freshen Up: Before serving, give it a quick stir. If needed, add more dressing to refresh it.

This easy pasta salad recipe tastes even better when it sits. It’s also great for adding chickpeas for protein or using different pasta shapes. Enjoy making this Mediterranean recipe that everyone will love!

Serving Tips for Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad

When serving Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad, look at how it looks. I like to serve it cold as a side or a light meal. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp makes it even better.

For a picnic, put it in a sealed container. Add ice packs to keep it cool. This keeps it fresh and makes the flavors better. It’s a hit at BBQs and parties.

Storage Tips for Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad

To keep your Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. It stays good for 3-5 days in the fridge. If the pasta gets dry, adding fresh dressing helps.

Preparing the salad a day early makes the flavors better. Just eat it within a few days for the best taste. Storing it right keeps the colors and flavors bright, making every meal a delight.

Summary of Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Tri-Color Pasta Salad is great for those who want tasty, healthy pasta. It’s colorful and full of fresh ingredients. It makes any meal special.

This salad is easy to make and can be changed to fit your taste. You can add your favorite veggies or proteins. It’s perfect for sharing with others.

Making this salad was fun and easy. It’s delicious whether it’s warm or cold. I’ll make it again and again for different events.