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summer pasta salad recipes - A vibrant bowl of Mediterranean pasta salad with rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.

Refreshing Mediterranean Summer Pasta Salad

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A vibrant and zesty Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad bursting with fresh vegetables, salty feta, and a bright lemon-herb vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, and light summer meals.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound short pasta (e.g., rotini, fusilli, penne)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large English cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced (optional, for extra crunch)
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled or diced from a block
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside in a large bowl.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper (if using), thinly slice the red onion, and halve the pitted Kalamata olives. Crumble or dice the feta cheese.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh oregano. Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Step 4: Add the prepared cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the bowl with the cooled pasta.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 6: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. Give it another gentle toss before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

For best results, allow the salad to chill for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld. You can add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, or bell peppers for more crunch and color. If making ahead for more than a day, add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrancy.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
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