Mediterranean Olive Oil Feta Pasta

Featured in: Fruit-Forward Skillet & Pan Meals

This Mediterranean pasta combines al dente short pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. It is brought together with a flavorful dressing made from extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and seasonings. Crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives add tangy and briny notes, while fresh parsley and basil enhance the bright, vibrant flavors. Perfect for a light, refreshing meal served chilled or at room temperature.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 11:26:00 GMT
Vibrant Mediterranean Olive Oil and Feta Pasta Salad, boasting colorful veggies and crumbled feta cheese. Pin This
Vibrant Mediterranean Olive Oil and Feta Pasta Salad, boasting colorful veggies and crumbled feta cheese. | orchardflint.com

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

Product image
Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.
Check price on Amazon
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.
Product image
Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.
Check price on Amazon
A refreshing Mediterranean Olive Oil and Feta Pasta Salad, ready to enjoy at a summer picnic. Pin This
A refreshing Mediterranean Olive Oil and Feta Pasta Salad, ready to enjoy at a summer picnic. | orchardflint.com

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.

This image shows a beautifully plated Mediterranean Olive Oil and Feta Pasta Salad; a light and flavorful dish. Pin This
This image shows a beautifully plated Mediterranean Olive Oil and Feta Pasta Salad; a light and flavorful dish. | orchardflint.com
Product image
Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.
Check price on Amazon

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.

Mediterranean Olive Oil Feta Pasta

Light Mediterranean pasta with tangy feta, olives, fresh vegetables, and zesty olive oil dressing.

Time to Prep
20 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Created by Luke Campbell


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mediterranean

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Suitable for Vegetarians

What You’ll Need

Pasta

01 10 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
02 Salt, for boiling water

Vegetables

01 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
02 1 medium cucumber, diced
03 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

Cheese & Olives

01 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
02 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

Dressing

01 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
02 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
03 1 tsp dried oregano
04 1 clove garlic, minced
05 1/2 tsp sea salt
06 1/4 tsp black pepper

Fresh Herbs

01 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
02 1 tbsp fresh basil, sliced (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Cook Pasta: 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 halt cooking.

Step 02

Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper.

Step 03

Add Pasta to Vegetables: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture.

Step 04

Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 05

Dress Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to combine evenly.

Step 06

Add Cheese, Olives, and Herbs: Incorporate crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, parsley, and basil if using. Toss lightly to distribute.

Step 07

Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Needed Gear

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Advisory

Review all ingredients for allergens. Check with a health expert if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk (feta cheese) and wheat (pasta)
  • Gluten-free option requires certified pasta

Nutrition Details (per portion)

This data is provided for your reference. Always consult with a healthcare professional for nutrition advice.
  • Caloric Value: 410
  • Fats: 19 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 48 grams
  • Proteins: 13 grams