If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and impossibly easy to pull together, look no further than this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe! Bursting with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, and creamy feta, every bite is a mini trip to the sunny Mediterranean coast. Tossed in a zesty homemade lemon herb dressing, this salad is light enough for a picnic but satisfying enough for a meal. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard gathering or just want a colorful lunch, this dish is sure to become a staple on your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is just how simple the ingredients are—each one plays a key role in bringing big flavors, delightful crunch, and gorgeous color to your bowl. Trust me, a few pantry staples and some fresh produce are all you’ll need to make this a hit!
- Rotini or Penne Pasta (12 oz): Short pasta shapes catch the dressing beautifully – perfect for scooping up all the veggies and cheese.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These add juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
- Cucumber (1, diced): For refreshing crunch and a cooling effect, especially against the tangy dressing.
- Kalamata Olives (½ cup, sliced): Briny and bold, they give that classic Mediterranean bite.
- Red Onion (½ cup, thinly sliced): Provides sharpness and a punch of color—if you find raw onion strong, a quick soak in water tames it.
- Feta Cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Creamy, tangy, and a little salty, feta brings everything together.
- Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): This adds lively herbal notes and extra green for visual appeal.
- Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): Just a little brightens every bite with unmistakable Mediterranean fragrance.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (⅓ cup): The foundation for our dressing—choose a good, peppery one!
- Lemon (juice and zest of 1): Delivers sunny, tart flavor in both dressing and salad.
- Red Wine Vinegar (1 tablespoon): For a subtle tang that lifts and brightens the whole dish.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds savoriness and a punch that wakes up the palate.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Classic Mediterranean seasoning, earthy and aromatic.
- Dijon Mustard (½ teaspoon): Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle kick.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out the flavors—taste and adjust as you go!
How to Make Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rotini or penne according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to cool it down immediately—this step not only stops the cooking process (no mushy pasta here!) but also ensures your salad is crisp and refreshing instead of warm and wilty.
Step 2: Prep and Combine the Veggies
While the pasta cools, grab a big mixing bowl and combine your halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and basil. Every vibrant veggie gets its moment in the spotlight, and the fresh herbs bring out that Mediterranean magic.
Step 3: Whisk up the Lemon Herb Dressing
In a small bowl or a clean jar with a lid, add the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and zest, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, plus a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk or shake it up until the dressing is totally blended and velvety. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon if you love an extra zesty punch! This is the heart of the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe and brings all the flavors together.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Pour your cooled pasta into the bowl with all those gorgeous veggies and feta. Drizzle the freshly made dressing over top, and toss gently until every spiral or tube is coated with the zingy, herb-flecked dressing. Make sure everything gets an even layer—no ingredient left behind!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover your assembled salad and let it hang out in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This brief rest lets the ingredients soak up all those bright, lemony flavors and meld together for a truly harmonious bite every time. Serve chilled, or let it come slightly to room temp for max flavor.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Take your Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe over the top by piling on a little extra crumbled feta, a flurry of more fresh herbs (basil or parsley are perfect), and even a dusting of lemon zest for a final burst of fragrance and color. Sometimes I’ll finish with a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving for a gorgeous sheen.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad is an all-star on its own, but if you want a full Mediterranean feast, serve it alongside some grilled chicken or fish, warm pita, hummus, or a platter of roasted vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that plays well with almost everything and shines at any cookout or potluck.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the salad into pretty mason jars for picnics, scooping it over a bed of arugula leaves, or serving it family-style on a big platter for an inviting, shareable centerpiece. For a fun twist, stuff it into halved bell peppers or avocado halves—guests will love the color and flavor combo!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is a superstar for meal prep—just cover tightly and stash your leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. The veggies hold their crunch and the flavors keep developing, making each bite a little more delicious.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies, cheese, and dressing, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The textures won’t hold up after thawing, but trust me, it’s so tasty you likely won’t have any to freeze anyway!
Reheating
No need to reheat—this is a cold salad by design! If it’s been chilling for a while, just give everything a good toss before serving. For extra vibrancy, you can stir in a drizzle of fresh olive oil or a squeeze of lemon just before eating.
FAQs
Can I make the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. There are so many great options out there now—brown rice, chickpea, or quinoa pasta all work beautifully and soak up the dressing just as well.
What proteins can I add to make this salad a full meal?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even canned tuna are fantastic add-ins if you want a protein boost. For a vegetarian twist, chickpeas blend right in and amp up the heartiness, while still keeping with the Mediterranean vibe.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can whip up this salad a full day ahead of time! In fact, letting it sit a few hours before serving helps the flavors meld even more. Just wait to add any extra herbs or garnishes until right before serving for the freshest look.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese for similar creaminess or diced fresh mozzarella for a milder flavor. Dairy-free friends can use vegan feta or simply leave it out—all the zesty, herby flavors will still shine!
Can I double the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just double or triple every ingredient and prepare it in a big mixing bowl—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties, barbecues, and potlucks.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe yet, you’re in for a real treat. It’s fresh, flexible, and simply bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors—once you make it, it’s likely to become a regular on your table. Give it a go and spread some sunshine to everyone you share it with!
Print
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad featuring rotini or penne pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh herbs, all dressed in a zesty lemon herb vinaigrette. Perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Lemon Herb Dressing:
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta completely.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with extra feta and herbs if desired. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- This salad holds up well for picnics and meal prep.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
