Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Name: Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta (fusilli or penne); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: International Dish Collection

I love making this Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad whenever I want something refreshing and quick. The combination of crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and al dente pasta creates a delightful dish that's perfect for picnics or meal prep. Plus, it comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor, and the dressing brings everything together beautifully. I often find myself tweaking it to add seasonal veggies or herbs, which keeps it exciting!

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:34:16.400Z

When I first stumbled upon a Mediterranean pasta salad recipe, I was surprised by how simple yet flavorful it was. I decided to experiment with different ingredients, and I quickly learned that fresh veggies and quality olive oil are essential. The crispy bell peppers and earthy olives add such a depth that complements the pasta beautifully. Every bite bursts with freshness that’s hard to resist!

One of my favorite tips is to let the salad sit for a bit after mixing it, allowing the flavors to meld together. This has given me the best results, transforming a quick dish into something gourmet. I often add a touch of lemon juice just before serving for that perfect finish, resulting in a dish that will impress every time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and vibrant flavors that are incredibly satisfying
Customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins
Perfectly simple for quick meals or entertaining guests

Choosing the Right Pasta

For this Mediterranean Pasta Salad, I recommend using pasta shapes that can hold onto the dressing and the various ingredients well. Fusilli or penne are ideal choices due to their grooves and hollow centers, which capture the flavors beautifully. Cook the pasta until it's just al dente; this ensures it holds up well when mixed with the other components and prevents it from becoming mushy after it has been chilled.

If you're looking to make this dish gluten-free, feel free to substitute the wheat pasta with a gluten-free variant made from rice or corn. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can cook faster or slower than traditional pasta.

Maximizing Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients can significantly elevate the taste of your Mediterranean Pasta Salad. Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes and a crisp cucumber for that refreshing crunch. When it comes to feta cheese, choose a block of genuine Greek feta and crumble it yourself; this not only improves texture but also enhances flavor. Pre-crumbled feta often lacks the same fresh taste and can be overly salty.

Feel free to experiment with the vegetables based on the season. Adding fresh arugula or spinach can provide a peppery kick, while roasted red peppers can introduce a sweet, smoky flavor. Whatever you choose, the vibrant colors of the vegetables will make the dish visually appealing.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This salad is perfect for meal prep! It can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit allows the flavors to meld and develop further. Just keep in mind that if you're adding delicate ingredients like herbs, toss those in just before serving to maintain their freshness.

For a delightful presentation, serve the pasta salad in a large clear bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the veggies to shine. You can also garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving to enhance the freshness even more.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad:

Salad Ingredients

8 ounces of pasta (fusilli or penne)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix and match any of your favorite ingredients to personalize your salad!

Instructions

Here's how to make your Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Set the vegetables aside along with the olives and feta.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, olives, and feta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature!

Enjoy your flavorful Mediterranean pasta salad as a side or a light main dish!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, or substitute the vegetables based on what you have on hand. This salad holds up well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Variations You Can Try

If you're looking to add some protein to the salad, grilled chicken or shrimp can be delicious additions. Simply season the protein with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice before grilling. Add it to the salad right before serving for a complete meal that packs in more nutrition without losing the Mediterranean essence.

For a vegetarian twist, consider mixing in chickpeas or cannellini beans. They add a satisfying texture and boost the protein content without overwhelming the fresh flavors of the salad.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your salad is too dry after mixing it, don't hesitate to add a splash more olive oil or a drizzle of lemon juice. This will help revive the flavors and ensure an inviting texture without making it soggy.

Should the salad taste too salty due to feta or olives, try adding a bit of diced potato or cucumber to balance the flavors. These ingredients absorb excess salt while adding refreshing crunch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better after a few hours or even the next day as the flavors develop.

→ What if I don't have red wine vinegar?

You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I make this salad vegan?

Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta substitute. You can also add more vegetables or chickpeas for protein.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.