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Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

Close-up of a serving of mediterranean pasta salad featuring orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
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Make this vibrant, refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad in under 30 minutes. It features crisp vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and a bright lemon-herb dressing, perfect for meal prep or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta (rotini, penne, or orzo)
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and parsley.
  4. Pour the zesty lemon vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.
  7. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. This is a great make ahead cold salad.

Notes

  • For a heartier meal, you can add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken breast.
  • If you prefer a Greek Style Pasta Salad, use orzo pasta instead of a larger shape.
  • This salad holds up well for healthy pasta salad meal prep and tastes better the next day.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/mediterranean-pasta-salad-recipe/