Mediterranean Pasta Salad + Tangy Lemon Herb Vinaigrette | Easy 20-Minute Recipe

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Table of contents:

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How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Ingredients:

• 10 oz. (300g) fusilli pasta
• 1 English cucumber, sliced into half-moons
• 10 oz. (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives (pitted are easier to eat)
• 5 oz. (150g) feta cheese
• Half a medium red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
• Splash of extra virgin olive oil 
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• A small handful of parsley

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Equipment 

• Large bowl (for making the salad)
• Large pot and strainer (for cooking the pasta)
• Salad tongs (or 2 forks)
• Sharp kitchen knife and cutting board
• Small jar with lid (for the dressing)

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Instructions

Step 1 – Cook and Prepare Pasta

• Bring some lightly salted water to a boil and cook pasta al dente, or just over if you prefer, according to package instructions (around 10 minutes). 
• Drain pasta and rinse under cold water for 1-2 minutes or until you feel the pasta cool. Add a splash of olive oil to the pasta and gently mix. Set pasta aside for use later. 

Step 2 – Prepare the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

• Add all vinaigrette ingredients to a jar, screw on the lid, and shake for 1 minute. 
• Test flavoring and adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside for use later. 

Step 3 – Prepare Salad

• Dice and chop all salad ingredients (around 5 minutes worth of prep work). 
• Add the cooled pasta to a large bowl, then add the cucumber, tomato, and red onion and mix well. Add the Kalamata olives, and crumble in around half of the feta cheese. 
• Drizzle some of the vinaigrette over and gently toss the salad. 
• Crumble the remaining feta cheese over the top, add some fresh chopped parsley, then drizzle the salad with some more vinaigrette dressing. 
• Serve!

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Cooking Notes:

• Use good quality olive oil, and whenever possible extra virgin olive oil. 
• When prepping the veg, aim to cut things into bite-sized pieces. Slice the red onion as fine as possible. 
• To mellow the sharpness in the red onion, slice it and soak it in iced water for a few minutes before adding to the salad ingredients. 
• The salad will keep for up to 2 days when covered and refrigerated. It will last a little longer if undressed, as the pasta won´t go soggy. The salad dressing will last up to a week when stored in an airtight jar in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before use.

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Why You’ll Love This Med Pasta Salad Recipe!

• Super easy to make
• No mayo 
• 5 minutes of prep work
• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Kids love it, and adults too 
• Nutritious and healthy (just 286 kcal per serve)
• Loaded with Mediterranean flavors
• Good for meal prep, picnics, gatherings, BBQs etc. 
• Can be made in big batches

Ingredients and Substitutions

Specific ingredients used in Mediterranean pasta salad can vary depending on the region and personal preferences. Versatility is one of the main benefits, so don’t be afraid to experiment when it comes to making your Mediterranean pasta salad.

The most common ingredients include:

1. Pasta: Typically short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rotini are used, as they hold the dressing and other ingredients well. Orzo also works well. 
2. Vegetables: Mediterranean vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, olives, and artichokes are often featured in this salad, providing vibrant colors and refreshing flavors.
3. Herbs: Fresh herbs like oregano and mint are commonly used to enhance the taste of the salad and add aromatic notes. Basil and parsley also feature in recipes from certain regions. 
4. Cheese: Feta cheese is a popular choice in Mediterranean pasta salad, adding a creamy texture and salty kick. 
5. Dressing: The dressing typically includes ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar (such as red wine vinegar), salt, and pepper. This dressing not only flavors the salad but also helps to marry all the ingredients together. 

The versatility and adaptability of Mediterranean pasta salad have contributed to its popularity worldwide. It’s a dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a favorite once the weather warms up. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, Mediterranean pasta salad is loved for its fresh, vibrant flavors and simple preparation.

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Mediterranean Pasta Salad Cooking Tips

• Cook the pasta a little more than al dente if you prefer. It’ll be slightly paler and more puffy, but this works great with pasta salads as the pasta absorbs loads of the dressing flavor. 
• Make sure you rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it. Don’t use warm pasta. It will cause the other ingredients to wilt. 
• Extra herbs and pine nuts for a garnish work wonders!
• Taste the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette before adding to the salad. Double-check the ingredient ratios and don’t over season the dressing.

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Med Pasta Salad Recipe Variations

This pasta salad is a great recipe that the whole family can enjoy as-is, but feel free to change it up to match your desired tastes or to suit any dietary requirements. 

Here are a few suggestions:

• Make it vegan: Sun-dried tomatoes or vegan cheese can be subbed instead of the feta for a vegan-friendly version.
• Make it gluten-free: Gluten-free pasta or quinoa instead of traditional pasta noodles.
• Load up with protein: Add some grilled chicken breast or tuna to give the salad a protein boost.
• Make it crunchy: Add some roasted chickpeas or pistachio nuts for some extra texture and crunch. 

Storage 

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. As it is a salad, it will likely only last a day or two before things become soggy. For best results, prepare this salad in small batches and consume it immediately.