Vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

The Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant, colorful dish bursting with fresh flavors. Imagine twirling your fork around tender pasta, kissed by the sun, while crunchy veggies and briny olives dance alongside. Strawberry Chicken Salad Lime Chicken Pasta Salad The zesty lemon vinaigrette adds a bright finishing touch that makes this salad an unforgettable experience. For more inspiration, check out this no-bake lemon icebox pie recipe.

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This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about gathering friends, sharing laughter, and creating memories. Picture a sunny afternoon barbecue or a cozy picnic where everyone digs into this delightful bowl of sunshine. Each bite is a reminder of carefree days spent enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

Sharing this dish at family gatherings always gets rave reviews and happy faces all around!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use your favorite pasta shape; I love fusilli for its ability to hold onto the dressing.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes; they add vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor.
• Cucumber: A crisp cucumber brings refreshing crunch; choose firm ones for the best texture.
• Kalamata Olives: These salty gems provide depth; pitted olives save you from unnecessary work!
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds zing; soak them in water to mellow their sharpness if preferred.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta offers creaminess; use high-quality cheese for an authentic taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds brightness; fresh herbs elevate any salad!

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice imparts zing; avoid bottled versions when possible.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; a good quality oil makes all the difference.
• Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard gives the vinaigrette a lovely creaminess and kick.
• Honey: A drizzle of honey balances the acidity with sweetness; adjust based on your taste preference.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; freshly cracked pepper elevates the overall flavor profile.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop up cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Aim for bite-sized pieces so every forkful has a bit of everything.

Make the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with chopped veggies and kalamata olives. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette then toss gently until everything is coated evenly.

Add Feta: Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Gently fold it in without breaking it too much to keep those creamy chunks intact.

Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps flavors meld beautifully together while making it refreshingly cool!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta al dente; this keeps it firm when mixed with the salad. While it cooks, chop your veggies and whisk together the lemon vinaigrette to save time and ensure freshness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas. A sprinkle of feta cheese can take this salad from good to unforgettable! For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature; reheating is unnecessary as it’s best served chilled.

The first time I made this salad for a family gathering, my cousin declared it “the food of the gods.” Now, it’s an essential part of our summer BBQs! Tuna Macaroni Salad.

FAQ

What pasta works best for Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?

Spicy Peanut Pasta Salad.

Use rotini or penne for better texture and flavor absorption.

Can I make this salad in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead for even more flavor development.

What can I substitute for lemon in the vinaigrette?

A splash of red wine vinegar offers an excellent alternative flavor profile.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

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• Author: Emma Taylor
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings. This colorful salad combines tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and briny olives, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Ideal for barbecues, picnics, or as a quick lunch, it’s easy to prepare and customizable to your taste. Enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite!

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz fusilli pasta
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with chopped vegetables and olives. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss to coat.
5. Gently fold in feta cheese. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 20mg