Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a fresh, colourful and flavour-packed dish made with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese and a zesty homemade Mediterranean dressing. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, potlucks or quick family lunches, it's an easy make-ahead recipe that's healthy, refreshing and ready in around 30 minutes. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of vibrant Mediterranean flavours, making it an irresistible side dish or light meal.
Equipment
- 1 Chef's Knife - Essential for slicing vegetables neatly and safely.
- 1 Cutting Board - Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
- 1 Large Saucepan: Used for boiling the pasta until perfectly al dente. Large
- 1 Mixing Bowl: Large enough to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- 1 Small Bowl – Perfect for preparing the homemade dressing separately.
- 1 Whisk Helps emulsify the dressing until smooth and well combined.
- 1 Large Serving Bowl – Beautifully presents the finished Mediterranean Pasta Salad.
- Wooden Spoon or Salad Tongs - Makes tossing the salad gentle without breaking the vegetables or feta.
Ingredients
- 340 g Rotini or Fusilli Pasta
- 250 g Cherry Tomatoes - Halved
- 1 Large Cucumber - Diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper - Diced
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper - Diced
- ½ Small Red Onion - Thinly Sliced
- 120 g Kalamata Olives - Pitted and Halved
- 200 g Feta Cheese - Crumbled
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley - Chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil - Chopped
- 60 ml Olive Oil - Extra Virgin
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 Garlic Cloves - Minced
- 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook The Pasta
- Bring a large saucepan of generously salted water to the boil.
- Add the rotini or fusilli pasta.
- Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Avoid overcooking, as firm pasta gives Mediterranean Pasta Salad the best texture.
- Drain thoroughly.
- Rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain again completely.
Step 2: Prepare The Vegetables
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice both bell peppers evenly.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- Halve the Kalamata olives.
- Chop the parsley and basil finely.
- Keeping the vegetables similar in size ensures every forkful of Mediterranean Pasta Salad contains a perfect balance of flavours.
Step 3: Make The Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
- Minced garlic
- Dried oregano
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Whisk vigorously for about one minute until the dressing becomes smooth, glossy and fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble The Salad
- Place the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the tomatoes.
- Add the cucumber.
- Add both peppers.
- Add the sliced onion.
- Add the olives.
- Sprinkle over the chopped herbs.
- Pour the dressing evenly over the mixture.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
- Using salad tongs or a wooden spoon, gently fold everything together.
- Ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated with dressing.
- Fold carefully to avoid crushing the vegetables.
Step 6: Add The Feta
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the salad.
- Fold gently once more.
- Leaving some feta visible on top gives Mediterranean Pasta Salad an attractive presentation.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
- Cover the bowl.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- This allows the pasta to absorb the dressing and the flavours to develop fully.
Notes
- 🍝 Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb the dressing while chilling.
- ❄️ Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water and drain thoroughly to prevent it from becoming sticky.
- 🥗 For the best flavour, refrigerate the Mediterranean Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to soak into the pasta.
- 🍋 Taste the salad before serving and adjust with a splash of fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt or black pepper if needed.
- 🌿 Use the freshest vegetables and herbs possible for the brightest flavour and best texture.
- 🧀 Fold the feta cheese in gently at the end to keep it creamy and intact.
- 🍗 This recipe is easy to customise by adding grilled chicken, prawns, tuna or chickpeas for extra protein.
- 🥣 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give the salad a gentle toss and add a little olive oil or lemon juice before serving if it has dried out slightly.
- 🚫 Freezing is not recommended, as the fresh vegetables and feta cheese lose their texture after thawing.