Mediterranean Pasta Salad

 

🥗 Mediterranean Pasta Salad: Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Occasion

Looking for a side dish that’s light, refreshing, and packed with bold, sun-drenched flavor? Mediterranean Pasta Salad is the answer. This colorful, veggie-loaded salad is everything a warm-weather meal should be: bright, herby, tangy, and satisfying without being heavy.

Whether you're feeding a crowd at a summer barbecue, prepping your lunches for the week, or just want a simple weeknight dinner, this pasta salad is sure to become a go-to favorite.

---

🌿 Why You'll Love This Mediterranean Pasta Salad

• Simple ingredients, big flavor

• Ready in under 30 minutes

• Vegetarian-friendly and easy to make vegan

• Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches

Inspired by the traditional flavors of the Mediterranean — think olive oil, lemon, herbs, feta cheese, and briny olives — this pasta salad is both hearty and wholesome.

---

🍝 Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work well)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh basil or mint, chopped (optional)

• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

---

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.

2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and any optional add-ins like roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.

4. Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.

5. Add the finishing touches: Gently fold in feta cheese and fresh herbs. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

---

🔁 Tips & Variations

• Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna for protein.

• Dairy-free/Vegan: Use a dairy-free feta or omit cheese entirely.

• Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

• Meal prep friendly: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days — just give it a quick toss before serving.

---

🌞 Perfect for Any Season — But Especially Summer

Mediterranean Pasta Salad isn’t just delicious — it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it chilled on a hot day with grilled meats or seafood, or pack it up for a picnic or potluck. Its zesty, herb-forward flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and a great way to sneak in a few extra vegetables during the week.

It’s also a fantastic way to use up garden-fresh produce or leftovers from the fridge.

---

✨ The Bottom Line

Fresh, easy, and endlessly customizable, Mediterranean Pasta Salad is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring — in fact, with the right ingredients, it can be the most flavorful thing on your plate.

---

Give this recipe a try, and bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table — no passport required. 🇬🇷🌿🍅