Print

Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe with Zesty Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

A close-up overhead shot of a vibrant mediterranean pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this refreshing Mediterranean pasta salad in 30 minutes. It is packed with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and a bright, zesty dressing, making it a perfect picnic side dish or meal prep lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley.
  4. Pour the zesty pasta salad dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This cold pasta salad tastes best when fully chilled.

Notes

  • For a high-protein option, add one can (15 ounces) of rinsed and drained chickpeas to the salad mixture.
  • If you want a Mediterranean chicken pasta salad, add 1.5 cups of cooked, shredded chicken breast before chilling.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep pasta salad; it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummagnet.com/mediterranean-pasta-salad-recipe-quick-30-min/