Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Let me introduce you to my absolute favorite summertime crowd-pleaser: the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe. This gem is bursting with vibrant vegetables, tangy feta, briny olives, and a crave-worthy zesty lemon herb dressing, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The flavors are bright and lively, the colors are stunning, and it comes together in practically no time. Whether you’re prepping this for a backyard BBQ or an easy lunch, each bite promises a mini-vacation right on your fork!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is refreshingly simple, but each ingredient has a special job to do. Every vegetable, herb, and staple builds layers of color, crunch, and Mediterranean flavor you’ll love. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Pasta (12 ounces rotini or bowtie): Choose a shape with nooks and crannies to capture all that delicious dressing—rotini or bowtie are perfect.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Their sweetness and juicy texture pop in every bite, not to mention the beautiful color.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Cool and crisp, cucumber brings a fresh crunch that’s essential for balance.
- Kalamata olives (½ cup, sliced): Briny and bold, olives add a salty punch that’s signature to Mediterranean salads.
- Red onion (½ cup, thinly sliced): Adds a gentle bite and a vivid hint of purple throughout the salad.
- Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Creamy, tangy, and just a little salty—it’s the flavor glue tying everything together.
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Vibrant and bright, parsley brings a welcomed herbal freshness.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped): The sweet, peppery aroma of basil lifts the entire salad—don’t skip it!
- Lemon (juice and zest of 1): That sunshiny citrus is what makes this dish come alive—zest, juice, and all.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Lush and golden, this is the base of your savory dressing.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Tangles with the lemon juice for that all-important tang.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): A little raw garlic goes a long way for savoriness.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Earthy oregano brings that classic Mediterranean flavor note you know and love.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential finishing touch—taste and adjust as you go!
How to Make Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your rotini or bowtie pasta. Cook it according to package instructions until perfectly al dente—don’t overcook, as a little bite is ideal for salads. Once cooked, drain immediately and rinse under cold water until the pasta is completely cooled. This locks in the texture and prevents clumping.
Step 2: Whisk the Lemon Herb Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the juice and zest of a fresh lemon, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Give everything a good whisk or shake until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. You’ll immediately smell those zesty, herbal aromas that define this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Veggies and Herbs
As your pasta cools, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and pit and slice the kalamata olives if needed. Crumble the feta cheese, and roughly chop the parsley and basil—the fresher your herbs, the more flavor the salad will have. This step is about prepping everything so assembly is a breeze.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your cooled pasta, prepped vegetables, feta, parsley, and basil. Drizzle the lemon herb dressing generously over the top, then toss until every piece is beautifully coated and combined. The colors and fragrance at this stage are nothing short of joyful!
Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to a day ahead, if you want the flavors to really get to know each other). The marinating time is essential—it turns good salad into spectacular salad. Before serving, give it another quick toss and taste for salt and pepper adjustments.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To finish off your Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe, scatter a little extra feta, additional fresh herbs, and perhaps a grating of lemon zest on top just before serving. These final touches not only look gorgeous but add another punch of fresh, tangy flavor and aroma that will make your guests swoon.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled meats, simple roasted chicken, or even falafel. If you want to keep things totally vegetarian, pair it with a big platter of hummus, stuffed grape leaves, or warm, fluffy pita. The versatility means it always finds a happy place at any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the salad into individual mason jars for portable lunches or picnics, or pile it high onto bibb lettuce leaves for a fun, bite-sized appetizer at parties. Serving it in a colorful, shallow serving bowl highlights its vibrant look—let those beautiful colors shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers of your Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and mellow over time, making every next bite just as delicious—if not more so—than the first. Be sure to give everything a good stir before serving again.
Freezing
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this particular salad. The fresh herbs, crisp veggies, and feta don’t fare well in the freezer, and the pasta can go a little mushy once defrosted. For best results, enjoy it fresh or well-chilled from the fridge.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a breeze for meal prep or potlucks. If you prefer it slightly warmed (although this is unusual for pasta salad), give it a quick zap in the microwave for just 20-30 seconds, but don’t overdo it or you’ll lose that signature fresh crunch.
FAQs
Can I make the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making this salad a day ahead is a pro move—the flavors have a chance to marry, making every bite even more scrumptious. Just keep it covered in the fridge and toss before serving.
What type Salad, Side Dish
Rotini and bowtie are my go-to choices because their shapes hold onto the dressing and other ingredients beautifully. Penne or fusilli are great alternatives if that’s what you have on hand.
How do I add protein to this salad?
This recipe is fabulous with the addition of grilled chicken, shrimp, or canned chickpeas for a vegetarian boost. Simply stir your choice in with the rest of the ingredients for a heartier meal.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe for vegans. Swap the feta for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely—the other flavors easily carry the dish.
What’s the best way to keep the salad from drying out in the fridge?
If you know you’ll be storing it for more than a day, keep a little extra dressing aside and toss it in right before serving. This refreshes the salad and keeps every bite deliciously moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that always disappears wherever I take it. It’s simple, fresh, and packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that taste like pure sunshine. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!
Print
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings. With a mix of pasta, fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon herb dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed as a main meal or a side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, feta, parsley, and basil.
- Add Dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared ahead and tastes better as flavors meld.
- For added protein, include grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
