Mediterranean Pasta Salad – Packed with olives, feta, and cherry tomatoes.

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Mediterranean Pasta Salad – Packed with olives, feta, and cherry tomatoes.

350 Reviews

★★★★★ 4.5/5

Intro by Chef Amber (AI Chef):

Take a bite of summer with this vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad! Brimming with salty olives, creamy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at potlucks, picnics, and weeknight dinners alike. Whether you’re serving it chilled or at room temperature, this salad brings bold, sun-kissed flavors to your table—effortlessly.

Nutrition Facts

Calories340 ; fat 17g; Carbohydrates 37g; Protein 9g. Fiber: 4g

Descriptions

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic, combining tender pasta with briny olives, feta cheese, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty lemon-oregano vinaigrette. It’s quick to make, meal prep–friendly, and perfect as a light lunch, a BBQ side, or a satisfying vegetarian dinner. Best of all, it only gets better as it sits!

Directions

Step 1

Cook the Pasta:

- Boil salted water in a large pot, then cook pasta until al dente.Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and give it a cold water rinse to cool it down quickly and halt further cooking.

Step 2

Chop & Combine:

- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, olives, feta, cucumber, onion, parsley, and basil.

Step 3

Mix the Dressing:

- Whisk olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Step 4

Toss & Chill:

- Pour dressing over the pasta mix and toss well to coat.Chill in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes to let all the vibrant flavors mingle and deepen.

Pro Tips

Use tricolor pasta for a festive, colorful presentation.

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for subtle heat.

Add a handful of chickpeas for a hearty texture and a plant-powered protein punch.

Creative Variations

Vegan Twist: Use vegan feta and skip the honey if adding sweetness.

Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier version.

Crunch Factor: Toss in toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds right before serving.

FAQs

Q: Is it okay to prep this pasta salad a day in advance for better flavor?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have mingled overnight. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

Q: What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold up well and catch the dressing.

Q: Is it gluten-free?

Swap in your go-to gluten-free pasta to keep this dish wheat-free without missing any of the flavor fun.

Advice for Gifting

Scoop the salad into individual mason jars, add a ribbon and tag—it’s a beautiful, edible gift for friends, new moms, or coworkers.

Fun Ways to Serve

Serve it inside halved bell peppers for a creative, edible bowl.

Serve alongside warm pita wedges and a scoop of hummus for a mezze-style experience that brings the Mediterranean right to your table.

Pack it in bento boxes for a bright and satisfying lunch-on-the-go.

Final Thoughts

Mediterranean Pasta Salad is the type of dish that checks all the boxes—easy, delicious, vibrant, and versatile. It’s a flavor-packed option you’ll turn to again and again when you want to impress with minimal effort.