Description
This Feta Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a bright, fresh, and flavor-packed dish made with tender pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and creamy feta tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or an easy weeknight side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 14 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced into ½-inch half-moons
- 18 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¾ cup sliced kalamata olives
- 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly pressed
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to develop. - Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water for 20–30 seconds. - Dress the Pasta:
Transfer slightly warm pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the pasta and toss well to coat evenly. - Assemble the Salad:
Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, parsley, and feta to the dressed pasta. Toss gently until combined. - Serve or Chill:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for deeper flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, use block feta and crumble it yourself.
- If making ahead, reserve a tablespoon of dressing to refresh the salad before serving.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled / Tossed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg