Sunny Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Discover a fresh and easy pasta salad recipe! My Mediterranean twist combines vibrant veggies and creamy feta for a perfect summer dish.

May 18, 2025
By Sandra.

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look into into the Sunny Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Ever bite into something that takes you straight to a sunny beach, with waves crashing and palm trees swaying? that’s how i feel when i make this pasta salad recipe ! a burst of fresh veggies, creamy feta, and a zesty dressing? oh my gosh, it’s like a party in your mouth! perfect for summer cookouts or just a lazy day on the patio, this dish has a flavor profile that’ll make your taste buds dance.

This delightful salad pays homage to mediterranean cuisine, where fresh ingredients are the name of the game. it’s not just food; it’s a vibe, you know? putting this together is super easy, even for someone who might start a fire boiling water (no judgment here!).

With about 15 minutes of prep and a bit of chill time, you’ll have a dish ready to impress.

And trust me, this recipe makes enough for a crowd, serving 6-8 people —just enough to keep the family happy (or to make sure you have leftovers for your lunch)!

Now, let’s talk benefits. this easy pasta salad recipe is not just tasty; it’s healthy too! packed with fresh vegetables, it’s a great way to get those nutrients in.

Plus, with the right dressing, it can be low in calories without losing that flavor punch. this salad shines at summer picnics , backyard barbecues, or just as a fun side at dinner.

What makes it special? it’s bright, it’s colorful, and it’s pretty much the definition of fresh.

I can’t emphasize enough how amazing this dish can bring people together. when you whip this up, you’re not just making food; you’re creating moments.

Picture this: sitting outside, sun shining, laughter filling the air, and everyone going back for seconds because it’s that good.

Honestly, it’s a game-changer.

So grab that pasta and let’s jump into making this sunny mediterranean pasta salad ! i promise it’ll be a hit at your next gathering or just for your cozy dinner at home.

Ready, set, go!

Sunny Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340g) pasta (fusilli or penne)
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (120g) cucumber, diced
• 1 cup (150g) red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (150g) olives (Kalamata or green), pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup (60ml) red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool.
• Prepare the Vegetables: While pasta cooks, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and onion.
• Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
• Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped veggies, olives, and feta cheese.
• Dress the Salad: Pour dressing over the salad and toss until well-combined.
• Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavours to meld, then serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:290

Fat:16g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Salad

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Sunny Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Alright, friends! Let’s dive into creating that sunny Mediterranean pasta salad recipe that’ll make your summer cookouts simply unforgettable. When you’ve got the right ingredients and tools, this dish becomes a breeze!

Main Ingredients

First off, let’s talk main ingredients you're gonna need. Here’s what you should grab:

• 12 ounces (340g) pasta (I’m all about fusilli or penne; they hold the dressing magically!)
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes , halved (go for bright red!)
• 1 cup (120g) cucumber , diced (nothing fancy, just chop it up!)
• 1 cup (150g) red bell pepper , diced (adds that crunchy sweetness)
• 1 cup (150g) olives (Kalamata or green), pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese , crumbled (the creaminess is key)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) red onion , finely chopped (for a little zing)

Now, for the dressing , you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil (extra virgin if you can get it)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on this—seasoning matters!)

Quality Indicators

When you’re shopping, look for vibrant veggies —that’s how you know they’re fresh. For the feta, opt for a block over crumbles; it usually tastes way better!

Seasoning Notes

Now, let's spice things up! Essential combos for this recipe are:

• Oregano and lemon juice —classic Mediterranean flair.
• Toss in salt and pepper for balance.

If you’re in a pinch, you can always substitute red wine vinegar with lemon juice. Totally works!

Equipment Needed

Ah, the tools of the trade! Here’s what you’ll need—don’t worry, nothing too crazy here:

• Large pot (for boiling the pasta)
• Colander (to drain the pasta)
• Mixing bowl (big enough to hold all that goodness)
• Whisk (to bring your dressing together)
• Measuring cups and spoons (don’t eyeball this stuff—be precise for tastiness)

Common Alternatives

If you don’t have a whisk, no sweat! A fork works just fine. And if your mixing bowl’s gone missing, any large dish will do! Use whatever you’ve got!

So there you have it! with these ingredients and equipment ready to go, you’re all set to whip up a delicious batch of cold pasta salad that your friends will be raving about at every summer gathering.

Trust me, you’ll want this easy pasta salad recipe on repeat! happy cooking, y’all!

Cooking the Perfect Sunny Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Ah, summer! the season of cookouts, lazy afternoons, and of course, pasta salad vibes. today, i’m spilling the beans on my favorite pasta salad recipe that’s bursting with flavor—the sunny mediterranean pasta salad .

Seriously, if you want to make your gatherings pop, this one’s a no-brainer!

Prepping the Goodness

Before we jump in, let’s chat about mise en place . gather all your ingredients first. trust me, it makes everything smoother.

When you’ve got your pasta, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing ready to roll, you’ll feel like a pro chef.

And here's a time-saver: chop up your veggies while the pasta cooks! You’ll feel like a multitasking magician. Don’t forget safety—like, always be careful with knives! Ouchies are no fun when you’re having a kitchen party!

Step-by-Step Magic

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in 12 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente, about 8- 10 minutes .

2. Prep the Veggies:
   While that's cooking, chop those cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper. Honestly, fresh veggies make all the difference.

3. Whisk that dressing:
   in a bowl, mix 1/4 cup olive oil , 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar , and a splash of fresh lemon juice .

   Sprinkle in a teaspoon of oregano, salt, and pepper. whisk it good!

4. Combine it All:
   Once the pasta's cooled (don’t want a pasta sauna), mix it with the veggies, sliced olives, and crumbled feta cheese in a large bowl.

5. Toss it Up:
   Pour your dressing over the pasta goodness and toss everything together. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated.

6. Chill Before the Thrill:
   Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . The flavors blend like magic, I promise.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   When it’s time to eat, dig in! I like to serve mine with crunchy garlic bread on the side.

Pro Tips for the Win

• Salt your pasta water —it’s like the magic sprinkle that boosts flavor.
• Letting it chill? Totally essential—those flavors meld together beautifully.
• If you want to jazz it up, add grilled chicken or chickpeas! A little crunch from toasted nuts wouldn’t hurt either.

And hey, don’t stress if you mess up. we all have our “oops” moments in the kitchen. just roll with it.

This easy pasta salad recipe is super forgiving. whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy dinner, this cold pasta salad is sure to be a hit.

So, there you have it! Your new go-to pasta salad recipe that’ll impress even Grandma. Get ready to scoop up seconds—and maybe thirds! Happy cooking, folks!

look into Into Your Pasta Salad Recipe

Oh my gosh, let's talk about the ultimate summer dish: a pasta salad recipe that’ll make your taste buds sing! whether it’s a backyard bbq or a picnic in the park, this sunny mediterranean pasta salad is your go-to.

But let’s make sure we cover all the little details to make it truly shine.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Magic!

When you’re ready to serve, try to make it look as fabulous as it tastes! layer the salad in a big, colorful bowl or even serve it in individual mason jars for a cute touch.

You can jazz it up with some fresh basil or a sprinkle of feta on top—fancier than a five-star restaurant! honestly, nothing pairs better than this salad with a crisp glass of cold sauvignon blanc or even sparkling water.

It’s refreshing and screams summer cookouts!

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

After the feast, you might be left with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). store that delicious salad in an airtight container in the fridge.

It’ll last about 3-4 days—trust me, you’ll want every bite. have some extra? you can freeze it, but only the pasta—vegetables usually don’t freeze well.

For reheating, just toss it in a pan over low heat with a splash of olive oil to revitalize it.

Boom, back to its former glory!

Variations: Mix It Up

Feeling adventurous? you can easily swap out ingredients to keep things fresh. for a twist, try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein.

Feeling cheesy? go for mozzarella instead of feta. or if you wanna go all out, make a creamy pasta salad with a dollop of pesto instead of olive oil.

Seasonal veggies like zucchini or summer squash can also give your dish a whole new vibe!

Nutrition Basics: Keeping It Healthy

Wondering about the nutrition? each serving is around 290 calories, with a nice balance of protein and healthy fats thanks to the olive oil and cheese.

You’re packing in vitamins from all those colorful veggies, making this one of the best salad recipes for health-conscious eaters.

Plus, who doesn’t love a dish bursting with flavor that’s also good for you?

In conclusion, this easy pasta salad recipe is bound to be a hit. so, gather your ingredients and make this your signature summer dish.

And remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting. look into into that mediterranean sunshine right from your kitchen.

Happy cooking, y’all!