Mediterranean Pasta Salad

If you’re craving something fresh, light, and packed with flavor, then this Mediterranean Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to try! It’s loaded with vibrant vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a delicious homemade olive oil dressing.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a BBQ, or something to bring to a potluck, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad is guaranteed to impress.

It’s versatile, easy to make, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors that will transport you straight to the sun-soaked shores of Greece.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is not only visually stunning, with its colorful vegetables, but it’s also packed with fresh, healthy ingredients. The combination of pasta, crisp veggies, tangy feta, and olives creates a satisfying and flavorful bite every time.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! With minimal prep and no cooking required for the main ingredients, it’s a quick and hassle-free recipe. Whether you’re looking for a light meal on a hot summer day or a dish to serve at a gathering, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.

🧑‍🍳 What Do You Need to Prepare Mediterranean Pasta Salad?

Here’s everything you need to make this refreshing and flavorful Mediterranean Pasta Salad:

• 8 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini works well)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

📜 How to Make Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad Step-by-Step?

Making this Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a refreshing and flavorful dish ready in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Slice the Kalamata olives and chop the fresh basil. Set everything aside in separate bowls.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake the ingredients together until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently to coat.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the salad with extra fresh basil if desired, and give the salad one last gentle toss. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

🍴 Variations

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is highly customizable. Here are some variations to tailor the recipe to your taste:

• Protein Add-ins: For a more substantial salad, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Other Veggies: Feel free to add other Mediterranean veggies like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach for additional flavor and texture.
• Different Cheeses: If you’re not a fan of feta, try substituting with goat cheese, mozzarella pearls, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dressing Variations: Swap out the red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar or use a lemon-based dressing for a slightly different twist.

With all these options, you can make this salad your own and experiment with different ingredients based on what’s in season or your personal preferences.

📝 Cooking Note

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is best when it’s allowed to sit for at least 30 minutes after being tossed with the dressing. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and infuse the pasta with all of the vibrant Mediterranean flavors. If you’re in a rush, it’s still delicious right after tossing, but the flavors will intensify with time.

For an even richer taste, you can prepare the salad the night before serving. Just make sure to cover and refrigerate it. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing overnight, so you may want to add a little extra olive oil or vinegar to freshen it up before serving.

This salad also holds up well for leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll last for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals. Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats like chicken or lamb for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner. It also makes an excellent addition to BBQs, picnics, or potlucks. You can even serve it on its own as a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.

For an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor, pair it with a side of hummus and pita bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside some roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

Since it’s so colorful and visually appealing, this salad makes an eye-catching centerpiece on any table. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a more formal dinner, it’s sure to impress your guests with both its vibrant appearance and delicious flavor.

⚡ Helpful Tips

• Use Al Dente Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid it becoming mushy in the salad. Pasta should hold its shape and texture when tossed with the other ingredients.
• Chill the Salad: While this salad can be served immediately, it tastes best when it’s chilled for 30 minutes to an hour. The flavors have time to meld together and develop.
• Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Opt for vine-ripened tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers to elevate the flavor.
• Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be made in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, and give it a quick toss before serving.
• Extra Dressing: If you like your salad with extra dressing, feel free to double the amount of dressing. You can always drizzle more on top before serving.

By following these helpful tips, you’ll ensure your Mediterranean Pasta Salad turns out perfect every time!

💡 Tips for the Best Mediterranean Pasta Salad

• Use a High-Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is a key ingredient in the dressing, using high-quality extra virgin olive oil will really elevate the flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooking the pasta can lead to a soggy salad. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks, and make sure it’s slightly firm to the bite.
• Balance the Dressing: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. You may want to adjust the amount of lemon juice, vinegar, or garlic depending on your taste preferences.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano adds a wonderful burst of flavor that dried herbs can’t replicate. Be sure to use fresh herbs when possible for the best taste.

⏰ Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for the pasta)
• Total Time: 25 minutes

🍏 Nutritional Information

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 370mg

❓ FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be made up to 1 day ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta, like farfalle or rotini, works great for this salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

🌟 Conclusion

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and flavorful olive oil dressing. It’s quick, easy, and can be made ahead of time for busy weeknights, BBQs, or picnics.

Whether you’re following a Mediterranean diet or just looking for a light and delicious meal, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or as a main meal, and don’t forget to get creative with variations to suit your tastes.

Print