Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta
Boring salads? Not today. This Mediterranean pasta salad actually delivers flavor, unlike those sad, wilted lettuce bowls pretending to be food. We’re talking tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny olives—all tossed in a zesty dressing. Then comes the star: feta. Salty, creamy, and unapologetically delicious. It’s fresh, filling, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Whether you’re meal-prepping or bringing it to a gathering, expect one thing—no leftovers. This salad disappears fast, unlike your motivation at the gym. Ready to ditch the bland and embrace bold flavors? Let’s make it happen.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta
A vibrant, flavor-packed Mediterranean pasta salad loaded with crisp vegetables, tangy olives, and salty feta, all tossed in a lemony herb dressing.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta holds dressing like a champ
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (because they explode with flavor)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives sliced (for that briny punch)
- ½ cup cucumber diced (keeps things fresh and crunchy)
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped (adds just the right kick)
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled (because feta makes everything better)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (adds brightness)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil the good stuff
- 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh, not the bottled impostor
- 1 tsp dried oregano because Mediterranean food demands it
- 1 garlic clove minced (for extra zing)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water—yes, rinse it.
- Chop all vegetables while the pasta cools. Try not to eat half the tomatoes in the process.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Or shake it in a jar like a pro.
- Toss pasta, veggies, olives, and feta into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the dressing and mix well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. More feta? Always a good idea.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Or eat immediately if patience isn’t your thing.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin C: 10%
- Vitamin A: 8%
- Calcium: 12%
- Iron: 9%
- Potassium: 7%
Additional Notes & Tips
- Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber if you’re feeling healthy.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for more protein.
- Swap parsley for fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy.
- Let it sit longer for an even better flavor boost.
- Store leftovers in the fridge—if there are any.
