Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Name: Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces bowtie pasta, some of the boxes are 12 ounces now but that works fine too with all the same measurements; 1 pound mushrooms; 2 cups baby spinach; 1 cup walnuts; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons vegan parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Ginny McMeans

Published:

June 30, 2019

Last Modified:

May 8, 2024

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Mediterranean Pasta Salad is all prettied up with a fun twist to a classic Bowtie Pasta Salad. There are extra veggies, spices and crunchy walnuts. A real crowd pleaser and all in under 30 minutes.

Overhead view of two bowls of pasta salad showing greens of spinach and browns of walnuts.

This is an irresistible cold pasta recipe inspired by classic Italian ingredients. Well, let’s add some extra delicious ingredients and make it super healthy while playing with textures.

You are going to love it!

A Healthy Easy Pasta Dish

I like having a few cold pasta recipes that I can rely on that are healthy and also easy to make. Well, this is one of those salads and this recipe is perfect for picnics, lunches, or outdoor barbecues

It goes without saying that a bowtie pasta salad would work great for all of those occasions but sometimes you want to offer a big spread on a buffet or dinner table.

That’s when it’s really nice to have a couple of kinds of salads, like one leafy green salad and one with pasta–something for everyone.

I also love to make a great big batch because this pasta salad is wonderful as leftovers. It’s hard to believe but it tastes just as good, if not better, the next day.

I know because I’ve been eating this Mediterranean style pasta salad for a couple of days now. I’m so glad!

Over head view of a serving bowl full of bowtie pasta on a green mat.

It takes only 30 minutes to pull together. So I always make a big batch, then place it in the fridge and let the dressing do the rest. It is just a perfect make-ahead dish.

Yes, for company too and holidays!

The Dressing

The dressing ingredients blend perfectly, and it is so simple to make. The flavors are built on a homemade vinaigrette that gets better each extra day you let it meld– if it lasts that long. It is just about tossing in a few key ingredients:
Lemon juice
Balsamic vinegar
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
Vegan Parmesan cheese

The balsamic vinegar really makes it special. I use my homemade vegan parmesan cheese too because it has extra good seasonings that really pushes flavors over the top.

Overhead view of ingredients for Italian dressing plus enhancements all in different shaped white bowls.

It’s going to taste like your favorite Italian dressing, but believe it or not, better. It’s made fresh and you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry and fridge.

The dressing ingredients meld perfectly and blend the salad all together. And while the salad further marinates in the fridge, the noodles become more tender and soak up the rich Italian flavors of this dressing.

Quick Pro Tip

Don’t overcook the pasta. You want the noodles to be slightly firm (al dente) when cooked. They will become more tender in the fridge.

Overhead view of some of the lovely fresh ingredients.

I had to add some fresh baby spinach, and not just to add some extra greens. They are soft, tender, and add another texture to the salad.

Last but not least, the chopped walnuts. Don’t forget the nuts! They are the finisher. The smooth and tender texture of the pasta salad just goes well with their earthy flavors and delicious crunchiness.

Overhead view of a large serving bowl of Mediterranean Pasta Salad glistening with dressing.

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad will fit in your menu perfectly whether it is for making ahead quick lunch meals or entertaining. It will keep about 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator so you can truly plan ahead.

It’s filled with tons of flavor that everyone is going to love!!!