This Mediterranean pasta salad is light yet satisfying, packed with bold flavors from ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and tangy feta. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish that tastes even better after sitting, making it ideal for meal prep or gatherings. Quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and suitable for all seasons, it brings a fresh Mediterranean flair to your table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, diced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Feta cheese, crumbled
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar or lemon juice
Garlic, minced
Dried oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Directions
Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss until everything is well coated.
Add fresh herbs and toss again.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, if needed.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 as a side dish or 4 as a main. Prep time is about 15 minutes, plus 10–12 minutes for cooking the pasta. Chill time is optional but recommended for at least 30 minutes.
Variations
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a full meal.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Vegan: Omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based version.
Add Greens: Toss in spinach or arugula for extra freshness.
Nutty Twist: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store Mediterranean pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. If the pasta dries out slightly, revive it with a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for pasta salad?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle holds up well and catches the dressing in every bite.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together.
Can I use bottled dressing?
You can, but homemade dressing gives a fresher, more authentic flavor. It only takes a few minutes to mix up.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente and rinse it under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It’s typically served cold or at room temperature.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Yes, goat cheese, mozzarella pearls, or a dairy-free cheese can work as substitutes.
What can I use instead of olives?
Capers or chopped artichoke hearts offer a similar briny flavor.
Can I add meat?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, turkey, or even salami make great additions.
How long can it sit out at a picnic?
Up to 2 hours at room temperature is safe, or keep it chilled on ice for longer.
How do I prevent it from drying out in the fridge?
Store it with a little extra dressing or add a splash of olive oil before serving.
Conclusion
Med pasta salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that brings the vibrant taste of the Mediterranean to your table. With its colorful mix of vegetables, tangy feta, and simple vinaigrette, it’s perfect for any occasion—from weekday lunches to summer cookouts. Quick to make, easy to adapt, and always satisfying, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Med Pasta Salad is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad featuring al dente pasta, fresh veggies, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing. It’s a light, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well coated.
Add chopped parsley or basil and toss again to combine.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
Cook pasta al dente and rinse immediately to avoid mushiness.Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.Omit or replace feta with a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.Drizzle with more olive oil before serving if salad dries out in the fridge.
