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Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe — a fresh, vibrant dish packed with crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade lemon dressing.
Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, meal prep, or as a healthy side dish, this easy pasta salad delivers bold Mediterranean flavors while staying light and refreshing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 12 oz 340 g rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives sliced
  • ¾ cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
For the Mediterranean Dressing
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or mason jar
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Properly
  1. A big pot of water should be brought to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt — the water should taste slightly salty like the sea.
    Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Avoid overcooking.
  3. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
  1. While the pasta cools:
    Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
  2. Slice cherry tomatoes in half
  3. Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces
  4. Chop red bell pepper
  5. Thinly slice red onion
  6. Slice Kalamata olives
  7. Crumble feta cheese
  8. Uniform chopping ensures balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Make the Mediterranean Dressing
  1. In a small bowl or jar, combine:
    Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
  2. Extra virgin olive oil
  3. Fresh lemon juice
  4. Red wine vinegar
  5. Minced garlic
  6. Dried oregano
  7. Salt and pepper
  8. Whisk thoroughly until emulsified.
Step 4: Combine Everything
  1. In a large mixing bowl:
    Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
  2. Add cooled pasta
  3. Add chopped vegetables
  4. Add olives and feta
  5. Pour dressing evenly over the top
  6. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Chill for Maximum Flavor
  1. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling enhances the flavor and allows the dressing to absorb into the pasta.
    Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
  2. Before serving, stir gently and garnish with extra parsley and feta.

Notes

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe is fresh, colorful, and incredibly easy to make. It highlights simple ingredients and bold flavors inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you are preparing a healthy lunch, hosting a summer barbecue, or looking for a reliable make-ahead side dish, this pasta salad is guaranteed to impress.