Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re craving something bright, fresh, and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Mediterranean Pasta Salad. This dish is the ultimate warm-weather staple: tender pasta tumbled with crisp veggies, briny olives, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing potluck hero or a speedy weeknight dinner, this salad effortlessly fits the bill and brings pure sunshine to your table. Mediterranean Pasta Salad is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself reaching for over and over again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Mediterranean Pasta Salad is the simplicity of its ingredients—each one is essential for that trademark harmony of color, crunch, and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why you definitely don’t want to skip a single thing:

• Dry pasta (12 ounces): Farfalle or any bite-sized pasta works perfectly, soaking up all the tangy vinaigrette.
• English cucumber (1, diced): Brings a juicy crunch and refreshing coolness to every bite.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Their natural sweetness balances the savory ingredients beautifully.
• Kalamata olives (2/3 cup, sliced): These give the pasta salad its classic, salty Mediterranean kick.
• Feta cheese (4 ounces, crumbled): Adds creamy tang and gorgeous pops of white throughout the dish.
• Red onion (half, thinly sliced): Lends mild sharpness and a vibrant punch of color.
• Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): The base of the vinaigrette, delivering richness and a fruity flavor.
• Red wine vinegar (3 tablespoons): Adds acidity and brightness to make the flavors sing.
• Freshly-squeezed lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Wakes up the whole salad with a citrusy zing.
• Dried oregano (2 teaspoons, minced): Brings herby, classic Greek salad vibes.
• Honey (1 teaspoon): A tiny drizzle smooths out the acidity and ties the dressing together.
• Garlic (2 small cloves, minced): Gives the vinaigrette lovely warmth and depth.
• Freshly-cracked black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers gentle heat and aroma.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the existing flavors.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (pinch): For just a hint of background heat, totally optional if you’d like a little kick.

How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta of choice until it’s just al dente—meaning it should still have some bite. Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water for about 20 to 30 seconds. This halts the cooking process and cools the pasta down quickly—essential for a classic Mediterranean Pasta Salad with perky, separated pasta pieces rather than a sticky clump.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Mix-Ins

While the pasta is cooking, chop your cucumber, halve the tomatoes, slice the olives, crumble the feta, and thinly slice the red onion. Having everything ready makes assembling your Mediterranean Pasta Salad a breeze, plus it gives you a rainbow of colors and textures to toss together.

Step 3: Whisk the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

In a bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk or shake together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, honey, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. The dressing should be well combined, glossy, and fragrant—a true flavor powerhouse that transforms a basic bowl of pasta into a Mediterranean wonder.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooled pasta to a big mixing bowl, then pile in your prepped cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, and onion. Drizzle the entire vinaigrette over the top, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss until everything is beautifully coated—watch the salad come to life as you mix!

Step 5: Chill, Toss, and Serve

Give the Mediterranean Pasta Salad a quick taste, and adjust salt or pepper as needed. If you’ve got time, chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving allows all the flavors to really meld. When you’re ready, plate it up and add a little extra feta or black pepper if you’re feeling fancy. This salad impresses every time!

How to Serve Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A final flourish takes the whole dish up a notch—sprinkle extra crumbled feta, a few sliced olives, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or even some fresh, torn herbs (parsley or basil are lovely) on top. These easy additions make the Mediterranean Pasta Salad look restaurant-worthy and add bonus flavor.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is hearty enough to shine on its own, but if you want to make it part of a bigger meal, it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or even a simple bowl of lentil soup. A crusty loaf of sourdough or pita bread on the side is perfect for scooping up any delicious extra vinaigrette lingering at the bottom of your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Mediterranean Pasta Salad piled high in a big bowl family-style, portion it into individual mason jars for picnics, or scoop it into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld party snack. If you’re making it for a potluck, garnish the entire top with a colorful arrangement of sliced lemons and herbs to really wow your friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad keeps like a dream. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld and develop overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing Mediterranean Pasta Salad. The veggies and feta lose their appealing texture once thawed, and the vinaigrette can separate. For the best taste and texture, stick to enjoying it fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat—it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature! If you prefer a slightly warmer salad (especially in chillier weather), let the container sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving, giving it one more gentle toss to freshen up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Mediterranean Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! While farfalle is adorable and convenient, penne, fusilli, rotini, or even orzo all work wonders. Just stick with something short so the salad is easy to toss and scoop.

What protein can I add to make this a full meal?

Try grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even cooked shrimp tossed in with the rest of the salad! These options make Mediterranean Pasta Salad an even more satisfying one-bowl dinner.

Can I make Mediterranean Pasta Salad vegan?

Definitely—just skip the feta or use your favorite plant-based alternative, and swap honey in the vinaigrette for a vegan-friendly sweetener like agave. All the gorgeous flavors remain.

Is it okay to use bottled dressing instead of homemade?

Homemade is best for maximum fresh flavor, but if you’re in a real pinch, a good quality Greek or Italian vinaigrette will do the job. Keep in mind your Mediterranean Pasta Salad will only be as tasty as your dressing allows, so buy the best you can find.

How far ahead can I make Mediterranean Pasta Salad?

You can make the entire salad up to a day in advance—just wait to add the feta and half the dressing until right before serving, so everything tastes delicious and nothing gets soggy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring a taste of sunshine to your kitchen with this Mediterranean Pasta Salad. It’s ridiculously easy, endlessly customizable, and sure to win over anyone who takes a forkful. Give it a try for your next gathering—or just for yourself! You’ll love how truly delicious a simple salad can be.

Print