Pin This A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad featuring tangy feta, briny olives, ripe tomatoes, and crisp vegetables—all tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing. The perfect light Mediterranean-inspired plate for warm weeknight dinners.
This pasta salad quickly became a summer staple in my household because it is fresh, healthy, and perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle), Salt for boiling water
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 medium cucumber diced, 1 small red onion thinly sliced, 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- Cheese & Olives: 150 g (5 oz) feta cheese crumbled, 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
- Dressing: 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 clove garlic minced, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1 tbsp fresh basil sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper.
- Step 3:
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the vegetables.
- Step 4:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 5:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 6:
- Add the crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, parsley, and basil (if using). Toss lightly to distribute.
- Step 7:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pin This This salad reminds me of warm family evenings where everyone gathered around sharing stories and enjoying fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Variations
Try adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor. Grilled chicken or shrimp make great protein additions.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé for a refreshing summer meal.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Pin This
This Mediterranean pasta salad is the perfect combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that you can enjoy any day of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing well and complement the vegetables and cheese.
- → Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes great chilled and can be made a few hours in advance to allow flavors to meld.
- → How can I add more protein to this dish?
Adding grilled chicken or shrimp pairs wonderfully with the Mediterranean flavors and boosts protein content.
- → Is there a gluten-free option available?
Substitute regular pasta with certified gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten-free diets.
- → What wine pairs well with this Mediterranean pasta?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé complements the fresh, tangy flavors nicely.
- → Can I customize the vegetables in this dish?
Absolutely—adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts can enhance the flavor and texture.