Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Prep Time
8 minsCook Time
12 minsFree Time
to send some funny cat videos to friends
This Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad bursts with vibrant flavors and textures, offering a tasty twist on the classic pasta salad. It’s packed with an abundance of vegetables, such as crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives with fragrant herbs, tangy feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Bring this pasta salad to your next dinner party and you’ll certainly be invited back!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140g) penne pasta
- 1½ cups (360ml) water
- ½ cup (2oz-55g ) diced cucumber
- ½ cup (2.5oz- 70g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup (1.3oz-36g) black olives in brine, halved
- ¼ cup (1.5oz- 45g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 5 mint leaves, thinly sliced
- 5 basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt to taste
Preparation
- Place the pasta and water in the Anyday dish and stir to combine.
- Cook in the microwave uncovered for 12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Try a noodle and add more time if needed!
- Using the Anyday Strainer, strain any excess water before and allow it to fully cool.
- Once cool, add the pasta back into the Anyday dish, alongside the remaining ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Convenient dressing: Toss the salad with ready-to-use Greek or Italian dressing for a quick and flavorful option.
- Artichoke hearts: Toss in marinated artichoke hearts for an extra Mediterranean flair and a tangy bite
- Lemon zest boost: Brighten the flavors by incorporating fresh lemon zest for a zesty finish.
- Add some crunch: Toss in thinly sliced red onion for an extra crunchy and tangy bite.
Recipe notes
- After mixing the salad, it will remain fresh for up to 3 days, making it an ideal recipe to prepare in advance.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Greek-Inspired Pasta Salad in the Microwave
What is Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad?
Combine cooked pasta with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and feta cheese, in short, all the most classic flavors from this amazing country in the Mediterranean Sea. To enhance the flavor and texture, add fresh mint and basil leaves or other veggies like bell peppers or celery. This salad makes for a refreshing side dish at gatherings and could not be simpler to make. For more pasta salad ideas check out our Dill Pickle Pasta Salad and Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad.
How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?
To ensure your pasta salad stays moist, keep the Anyday lid securely in place after dressing. If you're preparing the salad ahead of time or storing it overnight, give it a good stir or shake just before serving, as some dressing may have settled at the bottom. If the salad still appears too dry, consider adding a bit more dressing just before serving. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing as it sits, so a little extra can help maintain the perfect consistency.
Can I make pasta salad in the microwave?
Absolutely! One of the great benefits of using an Anyday dish to cook pasta is that you don't need to wait for the water to boil. Simply add the pasta and water to the dish and cook it in the microwave. After the pasta is cooked, strain it, let it cool, and then place it back in the Anyday dish. Add your dressing ingredients, press on the lid, and give it a good shake to mix everything evenly. This method not only saves time but also simplifies the preparation process, making it a breeze to whip up a delicious pasta salad.
How do I store this pasta salad?
This pasta salad can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when kept in an Anyday dish with the lid securely fastened. This ensures the salad remains fresh and tasty. Freezing this pasta salad is not recommended, as fresh veggies and herbs in the pasta salad do not respond well to freezing and thawing, often resulting in undesirable changes in texture and consistency. For the best flavor and texture, it's ideal to enjoy pasta salads fresh out of the fridge.
How can I make the salad ahead of time?
To make your Greek-inspired pasta salad in advance, start by cooking your pasta in an Anyday dish following the directions. After cooking in the microwave, quickly cool the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain its firm texture. Add the dressing ingredients and shake or stir well, then store the salad in an Anyday dish with the lid pressed down to keep it fresh in the refrigerator. If you're including delicate ingredients like fresh herbs or crisp vegetables, add them closer to serving time to preserve their texture. Before serving, stir the salad well, adjust the seasonings, and if needed, add a bit more dressing to rejuvenate it.
How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?
To ensure your salad stays moist, keep the Anyday lid securely in place after mixing. If you're preparing the salad ahead of time or storing it overnight, give it a good stir or shake just before serving, as the dressing may have settled at the bottom. If the salad still appears too dry, consider adding a bit more dressing just before serving. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing as it sits, so a little extra can help maintain the perfect consistency.
