Go Back

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A refreshing and vibrant salad combining pasta, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, perfect for meal prep or as a side dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 8 oz pasta Short pasta like penne or fusilli works best.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved for added sweetness.
  • 1 cup cucumbers Chopped for crunch.
  • 1/2 cup red onion Diced for sharp flavor.
  • 1/2 cup black olives Sliced for briny depth.
Dressing and Add-ins
  • 1/4 cup olive oil Healthy fat to smooth the dressing.
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed for brightness.
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese Crumbled for creaminess.
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs Such as basil or parsley for freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, diced red onion, and sliced black olives.
  4. Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and toss gently to combine.
  7. Fold in crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs.
  8. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

This salad can be served warm but is best enjoyed chilled. Great for meal prep and can be customized with different vegetables or proteins as desired.