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Macro view of hearty Italian Pasta Salad ingredients including tri-color rotini, fresh cucumbers, glistening cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.

The Ultimate Rustic Italian Pasta Salad

This vibrant, rustic Italian Pasta Salad features colorful rotini, glistening cherry tomatoes, savory black olives, crisp cucumbers, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb tri-color rotini pasta Cooked al dente.
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes Halved.
  • 1 medium cucumber Sliced into half-moons.
  • 0.5 cup black olives Drained and sliced or left whole.
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese Crumbled.
  • 0.33 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard Acts as an emulsifier.
  • 1 clove garlic Finely minced.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt Plus more for the boiling water.
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Large boiling pot For boiling the rotini pasta.
  • 1 Colander For draining and rinsing the hot pasta.
  • 1 Whisk Crucial for emulsifying the vinaigrette.
  • 1 Ceramic serving bowl To achieve a beautiful, authentic presentation.

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and stir immediately. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain in a colander and briefly rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic clove, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the mixture is fully emulsified and thickened.
  3. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and drain the black olives.
  4. Transfer the cooled rotini to a large ceramic bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and black olives. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and gently toss until completely coated. Fold in the crumbled feta cheese right before serving.

Notes

Salt the water like the sea: Using about 1 tbsp (15g) of salt in your boiling water is crucial.
Dress while slightly warm: Tossing the pasta with half the vinaigrette while slightly warm helps it absorb flavors deeply.
Let it rest: Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.