This Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and tender pasta in a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette. It’s packed with bright, herby flavors and Mediterranean charm.
Ideal as a side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, or even a satisfying standalone lunch, this salad comes together in under 30 minutes and only gets better as it sits. Fresh, colorful, and totally customizable, this is your new go-to pasta salad for all occasions.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cucumber, diced
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
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1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tbsp dried oregano)
Dressing:
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1/4 cup olive oil
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Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, basil, and oregano.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Add the cooled pasta and toss everything until well combined.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
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Garnish with additional herbs or feta before serving, if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Discover the Bold Flavors of the Mediterranean in Every Bite
The Mediterranean diet has long been celebrated for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and wholesome approach to eating. One dish that effortlessly captures the essence of this cuisine is the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad. Bursting with bright lemon juice, aromatic herbs, salty feta, and briny kalamata olives, this salad isn’t just a quick side, it’s a versatile, nutrient-rich meal that fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle.
This pasta salad stands out with its zesty flavor profile and eye-catching color palette. The medley of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs creates a balanced blend of textures and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, prepping lunch for the week, or looking for a satisfying vegetarian main course, this salad ticks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Pasta Salad
There’s something comforting about a good pasta salad, and this version brings a refreshing twist to the table. Here’s why this recipe earns a permanent spot in your meal rotation:
1. Quick and Easy Preparation
This dish is incredibly simple to prepare. With just 10 minutes of cooking and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a stunning salad ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s a time-saver without compromising on taste.
2. Fresh, Flavorful Ingredients
What makes Mediterranean cuisine so appealing is its reliance on fresh, wholesome components. This salad is a celebration of that philosophy. Fresh vegetables like cucumber and cherry tomatoes offer crunch and sweetness, while red onion adds a gentle kick. Olives and feta bring umami depth, and fresh parsley, basil, and oregano deliver earthy aromatics.
3. Nutritionally Balanced
You’re not just eating a bowl of pasta. This dish provides fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. Olive oil offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while vegetables deliver antioxidants and phytonutrients. Feta adds a calcium-rich source of protein, and if you want more, you can toss in chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tuna.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
From picnics and potlucks to elegant dinner parties and weekday lunches, this salad adapts beautifully. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, it always delivers.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly
One of the best parts? It tastes better as it sits. This is the ideal dish to prepare a day in advance. The pasta soaks up the lemony dressing, the herbs deepen in flavor, and everything melds into a satisfying and harmonious bite.
Ingredient Deep Dive
Each ingredient in this salad plays a unique role, contributing not just to flavor, but also to the overall nutrition and texture:
- Rotini Pasta
The spirals of rotini are perfect for holding onto dressing and herbs. You can also substitute with penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
- Cherry Tomatoes
Their natural sweetness offsets the sharpness of the lemon and vinegar, providing juicy pops in every forkful.
- Cucumber
Crunchy and hydrating, cucumber adds a cooling element that lightens the salad and contrasts beautifully with the saltier components.
- Red Onion
Sliced thinly, red onion gives a sharp, tangy flavor without overwhelming the dish. Soaking the onion slices in cold water for 5-10 minutes can mellow their bite if preferred.
- Kalamata Olives
A quintessential Mediterranean ingredient, kalamata olives introduce a briny intensity that enhances the complexity of the dish.
- Feta Cheese
Creamy, tangy, and rich in calcium, feta cheese ties everything together with its bold flavor. Goat cheese or cubed mozzarella could be used as alternatives.
- Fresh Herbs
This salad is fragrant with parsley, basil, and oregano. Fresh herbs bring life to the dressing and create an herbal brightness that dried versions simply can’t match. However, if you’re in a pinch, dried herbs still deliver great flavor.
- The Dressing
Made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, and Dijon mustard, the dressing is simple but impactful. The acidity of lemon and vinegar contrasts beautifully with the rich olive oil and creamy feta, making every bite dynamic and satisfying.
Customization Ideas
This salad is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ways to personalize it:
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Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas turn this side dish into a complete meal.
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Go Vegan: Omit the feta or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
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Make it Grain-Free: Swap pasta for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
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Toss in More Veggies: Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or roasted eggplant add even more texture and flavor.
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Add Whole Grains: Substitute the pasta with farro or quinoa for a fiber-packed variation.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad holds up beautifully for several days in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, drizzle a bit of olive oil and lemon juice to refresh it.
This dish also travels well, making it great for picnics, potlucks, or work lunches. Since it doesn’t rely on mayonnaise or dairy-heavy dressing, it holds up better than traditional pasta salads in warm weather.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this salad with grilled meats like lamb chops or chicken souvlaki for a Mediterranean feast. It also complements seafood dishes, such as grilled salmon or shrimp skewers. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside hummus, pita bread, and dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) for a mezze-inspired spread.
You can also serve it over a bed of greens for a heartier salad bowl, or tuck it into pita pockets with arugula and avocado for a fun twist.
Health Benefits of Mediterranean-Inspired Eating
The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world. Rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats, it’s associated with reduced risk of heart disease, better cognitive health, and improved metabolic function. This pasta salad reflects that lifestyle, abundant in fresh produce, herbs, and plant-based fats.
It’s also naturally rich in fiber and antioxidants, helping support digestion and fight inflammation. Plus, the ingredients are accessible and budget-friendly, making it easier to eat well without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
The Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad is more than a side dish, it’s a flavorful, versatile, and wholesome celebration of everything we love about Mediterranean cuisine. With its mix of bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables, it’s perfect for both everyday meals and special gatherings.
Whether you’re enjoying it freshly made or as a leftover from the fridge, this pasta salad brings sunshine to your plate. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and full of healthful ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll return to time and time again.
So next time you’re looking for something quick, nourishing, and undeniably delicious and this is the recipe to turn to.