Mediterranean Pasta Salad: A Fresh, Flavorful Bowl
Something magical exists about a Mediterranean pasta salad. The bright colors and bold flavors make it special.
Every bite feels sunny and fresh. This recipe is one you will want to make again. Simple, satisfying, and has healthy ingredients you likely already have.
When I first made this dish for a summer picnic, the bowl was empty in minutes. Since then, it has become my go-to side for busy weeks, meal prep, and last-minute gatherings.
This Mediterranean pasta salad recipe combines firm noodles, crunchy vegetables, olives, fresh herbs, lemon, and a light dressing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish always tastes like sunshine in a bowl.
Why This Mediterranean Pasta Salad Will Be Your New Favorite
This pasta salad is everything readers search for in mediterranean pasta salad recipes:
- Fresh
- Colorful
- Easy to make
- Budget-friendly
- Great for meal prep
- Ideal for picnics, BBQs, or busy weeknights
Plus, it takes less than 25 minutes to make. No fancy steps exist. The ingredients are simple. Just real food with great flavor.
What Makes a Pasta Salad “Mediterranean”?
A great pasta salad mediterranean style includes:
- Olive oil
- Lemon
- Fresh herbs
- Mediterranean vegetables
- Olives
- High-quality pasta
This particular version features bold, clean flavors that stand out without overpowering each other.
Key Ingredients You’ll Love
1. Pasta
Choose short pasta shapes that hold dressing well:
- Rotini
- Fusilli
- Penne
- Farfalle
- Elbows (perfect for a macaroni salad with black olives vibe)
2. Olives
This is a must. Use:
- Kalamata
- Black olives
- Green olives
- These add that salty, briny pop that makes a great pasta salad with olives unforgettable.
3. Crunchy Veggies
A mix of:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Bell peppers
- Red onion
4. Cheese (Optional)
- Feta
- Mozzarella pearls
- Parmesan shavings
5. Fresh Herbs
- Parsley
- Basil
- Dill
- Mint
6. Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing
A cornerstone of easy mediterranean pasta salad:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Salt & pepper
How to Make the Best Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Making this salad is easy. Here’s the step-by-step method:
Step 1| Cook the Pasta
Cook your pasta until just tender. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
Step 2| Chop the Veggies
Keep pieces small so every bite gets flavor.
Step 3| Make the Dressing
Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 4| Combine
Toss pasta, veggies, olives, herbs, and cheese. Pour dressing over the top.
Step 5| Chill
Let it rest for at least 20–30 minutes so the flavors deepen.
Variations for Every Diet
Vegan Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- Skip the cheese
- Add chickpeas
- Use extra herbs for richness
High-Protein Version
- Add grilled chicken
- Add tuna
- Add chickpeas or white beans
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free pasta made from:
- Brown rice
- Corn
- Quinoa
Low-Calorie Version
Use:
- More veggies
- Less pasta
- Light feta or omit cheese
Mediterranean Pasta Bowls
To turn this into a full meal, add:
- Hummus
- Tzatziki
- Roasted veggies
- Falafel
- Grilled shrimp
These mediterranean pasta bowls are perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe Card
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or elbows)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata or black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or mint (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Place pasta in a large bowl. Add tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat.
- Add feta and herbs. Mix again.
- Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Storage
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 4–5 days.
- Add extra lemon or olive oil before serving if the pasta dries out.
Optional Add-Ins
- Chickpeas
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Artichoke hearts
- Roasted red peppers
- Grilled chicken
- Tuna
Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe| another way
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) of pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 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, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, bell pepper, parsley, and basil.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, and toss gently to combine.
- Add Feta:
- Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, being careful not to break it up too much.
- 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.
Tips:
- You can customize this salad. Add ingredients like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled chicken for more protein.
- You can make this salad a day in advance; just add the feta right before serving to keep it fresh.
Enjoy your Mediterranean Pasta Salad!
People Also Ask
Yes. It’s full of vegetables, olive oil, and herbs. You control the dressing and add-ons, making it lighter than creamy salads.
Yes. It tastes even better the next day because the flavors blend.
Up to 4–5 days in an airtight container.
Yes. They work great in a macaroni salad with black olives or any Mediterranean pasta salad.
It pairs perfectly with:
– Grilled chicken
– Salmon
– Kebabs
– Burgers
– Roasted veggies
Emotional Conclusion
A bowl of mediterranean pasta salad feels like a taste of sunshine bright, fresh, and full of flavor. Every time you make it, you’ll discover a new favorite ingredient or variation. Simple enough for meal prep yet special enough for parties. If you’re ready for a dish that always brings people together, this one belongs in your kitchen.
Try it, customize it, and make it your own and when you do, come back and tell me how it turned out. I’d love to hear your spin on it.
Mia Cook
Mia Cook creates simple, healthy, and delicious recipes. From quick snacks to full meals, her recipes are designed for busy lifestyles and home cooks.
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