Pin It 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.
I first served this salad on a warm summer night and it immediately became a family favorite — perfect for quick meals and packed with flavor.
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 It This recipe always brings my family together for casual dinners with lots of laughter and second helpings.
Notes
For extra flavor add roasted red peppers sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts. Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Excellent with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large mixing bowl Small bowl or jar (for dressing) Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 410 Total Fat 19 g Carbohydrates 48 g Protein 13 g
Pin It This Mediterranean pasta salad is an easy go-to for light meals and is sure to impress with its zesty flavors and fresh ingredients.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing and ingredients well, making them ideal choices.
- → Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it a couple of hours in advance allows flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste. Keep it chilled until serving.
- → How can I adjust the dressing's flavor?
Increase the lemon juice for more tang or add a pinch of chili flakes for mild heat. Fresh herbs can also be varied to personal preference.
- → Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Absolutely, substitute regular pasta with certified gluten-free options to accommodate dietary needs without compromising the dish's texture.
- → What are some complementary pairings with this dish?
This salad pairs nicely with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein, and a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry rosé elevates the meal.