Irresistible Mediterranean Pasta Salad – Fresh, Vibrant & Packed with Flavor
Irresistible Mediterranean Pasta Salad – a vibrant, fresh pasta salad loaded with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta, and parsley, all tossed in a zesty herb vinaigrette. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light summer meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Main Dish
- Method: No-Cook, Boil
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the salad:
- 14 oz pasta (I always use Barilla rotini or penne to hold the dressing)
- 1 large cucumber (peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons)
- 18 oz cherry tomatoes
- 3/4 cup olives (I prefer Mezzetta sliced kalamata olives for a briny punch)
- 5 oz feta
- 1/2 red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil (extra-virgin provides a richer flavor base)
- 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves (freshly pressed for the most pungent aroma)
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- While waiting for the pasta water to boil, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, freshly pressed garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Let the vinaigrette sit for a few minutes to allow the garlic and herbs to infuse.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare your vegetables: peel and slice the cucumber into 1/2-inch half-moons, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley.
- Drain the cooked pasta and rinse briefly with cold water for 20-30 seconds to stop the cooking process. Transfer the still-slightly-warm pasta to a large mixing bowl and immediately pour the vinaigrette over it, tossing well to coat.
- Add the prepared cucumber, tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, crumbled feta, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley to the dressed pasta. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving time.
Notes
- Rinse pasta briefly for only 20-30 seconds – the warmth helps absorb the dressing better.
- Let the vinaigrette sit for 5-10 minutes before tossing with pasta for deeper flavor.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Best served within 24 hours; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the feta cheese.