The Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a celebration of bold flavors and vibrant colors. With juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and creamy feta, it delivers a medley of Mediterranean goodness in every bite. Tossed in a refreshing lemony dressing infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of Dijon, it’s a dish that captures the essence of sunny coastal cuisine.
Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or healthy weekday lunches, this pasta salad is both satisfying and energizing. Serve it cold for a quick and wholesome meal, or pair it with grilled protein for a more filling option. This easy-to-make salad brings a sophisticated flair to any table while keeping things light, fresh, and fuss-free.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz rotini or orzo pasta
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
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2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
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Juice of 1 large lemon
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
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Add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, and herbs to the bowl.
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Toss everything gently until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
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Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad – A Refreshing Burst of Mediterranean Flavor
When the weather heats up or you’re in the mood for a light, healthy, and satisfying dish, few recipes hit the spot like a Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad. With its harmonious blend of crisp vegetables, tangy lemon dressing, salty feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, this pasta salad is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Perfect for make-ahead meals, potlucks, summer BBQs, or a wholesome weekday lunch, this vibrant salad brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen.
The heart of this salad lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The pasta acts as a neutral yet satisfying base, while ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and kalamata olives provide crunch and contrast. Crumbled feta cheese offers creaminess and saltiness, enhancing each bite with its distinct tang. But what truly ties this salad together is the lemon herb dressing, fresh, zippy, and deeply aromatic with garlic, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and a medley of herbs like dill, parsley, and basil.
Mediterranean Cuisine and the Power of Simplicity
Mediterranean cooking is renowned for using simple, whole ingredients in ways that allow their natural flavors to shine. It’s a cuisine that celebrates fresh produce, high-quality olive oil, fresh herbs, grains, and proteins like fish and legumes. This pasta salad encapsulates all of those elements in a single dish, making it not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing.
Lemon is a key player in Mediterranean cuisine, often used to brighten dishes and add a fresh counterpoint to richer flavors. In this recipe, lemon juice is the base of the dressing, providing acidity that wakes up the taste buds and cuts through the creaminess of the feta. Red wine vinegar adds another layer of tang, while Dijon mustard gives the dressing body and depth. When combined with good quality extra virgin olive oil, the result is a silky, emulsified vinaigrette that perfectly coats every component of the salad.
Nutritional Benefits of Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad
One of the best things about this salad is its nutritional profile. It’s vegetarian, balanced, and full of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. The vegetables contribute a wealth of vitamins and minerals, cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene, cucumbers are hydrating and refreshing, and red onions add anti-inflammatory properties. The olives provide monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, while the feta adds calcium and protein.
Using a whole-grain or gluten-free pasta can easily make this dish more nutritious or allergy-friendly. Whole grain pastas increase the fiber and complex carb content, helping you feel fuller for longer. If you’re watching your gluten intake, rice-based or legume-based pastas are excellent substitutes.
The dressing itself is made from olive oil, which is high in heart-healthy fats and is a staple in Mediterranean diets. The fresh herbs not only enhance the flavor but also contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Dill, parsley, and basil each have unique nutritional qualities, parsley is a great source of vitamin C and vitamin K, basil has anti-inflammatory compounds, and dill is known for aiding digestion.
Meal Prep-Friendly and Perfect for Gatherings
Another great feature of this recipe is how well it holds up in the refrigerator. In fact, many people find it tastes better after it has had a few hours (or even overnight) to marinate in the dressing. That makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping. You can store it in airtight containers for up to four days and grab a ready-to-eat meal anytime you need one.
Planning a summer party or a family picnic? This pasta salad is the perfect dish to serve a crowd. It’s easy to multiply the ingredients to fit a large batch, and since it’s served cold, there’s no stress about reheating or keeping it warm. Plus, it’s so flavorful and colorful that it often becomes one of the first dishes to disappear from the buffet table.
You can also pair it with grilled proteins like lemon chicken, herb-marinated shrimp, or even falafel to make a more complete meal. Want to add more greens? Toss in a handful of arugula or spinach just before serving. Craving a more protein-rich version? Add chickpeas, grilled tofu, or even canned tuna.
Versatility and Customization
One of the standout aspects of Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad is how adaptable it is. You can tweak the recipe based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Not a fan of olives? Leave them out or swap them with capers. Prefer goat cheese over feta? That works too. Like a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced pepperoncini.
You can also change up the herbs depending on what’s available. Mint adds a cooling note, oregano brings earthiness, and thyme lends a subtle floral depth. Switching up the vegetables can keep this dish exciting each time you make it, try adding bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for a new flavor twist.
Presentation Tips
To serve this dish beautifully, use a shallow wide bowl to let the colors and textures of the salad shine. Sprinkle some extra chopped herbs or a few crumbles of feta on top just before serving. A lemon wedge on the side or a small drizzle of olive oil over the top adds a finishing touch that feels gourmet but takes just seconds.
This dish also makes a wonderful packed lunch. Put it in mason jars or bento-style containers, keeping any extra dressing in a small sealed jar to pour on right before eating. It’s a guaranteed way to avoid the lunchtime slump and stay energized throughout the day.
Conclusion
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish, it’s a flavorful, nutrient-rich celebration of Mediterranean cuisine that fits effortlessly into modern life. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping your lunches for the week, or simply craving something light and vibrant, this pasta salad delivers on every front. The combination of zesty lemon, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and tender pasta creates a harmony of taste and texture that keeps you coming back for more.
Its beauty lies in its simplicity and its adaptability. It’s a dish that welcomes creativity, makes use of seasonal ingredients, and brings the spirit of warm, coastal living right to your table. The next time you want to impress your family or simply treat yourself to something refreshing, don’t overlook the humble but glorious Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad.