Description
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and nutrient-packed dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. Featuring al dente pasta tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing, it’s the perfect side or light meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, bowtie, or similar)
- 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 (microbial-rennet)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly.
- Prep the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onions, and parsley. Crumble the feta.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with vegetables and feta. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
- Taste and Adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately or chill for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Toss pasta with dressing while still slightly warm so it absorbs more flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean Pasta Salad, healthy pasta salad, 20-minute meal, meal prep salad