Name: Mediterranean Pasta Salad: A Seriously Easy 1 Bowl Wonder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

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Hey there and welcome to our little corner of the internet!

I remember summers at my grandma’s house. The air would be thick with the smell of cut grass and maybe a hint of something baking. And almost always, for backyard get-togethers, she’d pull out a big bowl of her famous pasta salad. It wasn’t fancy, but oh, it was good. It was cool and refreshing, packed with bright flavors.

That feeling of simple, delicious food that brings people together is what we’re all about here at 911Recipes. We believe cooking should be fun, not stressful. That’s why I’m so excited to share this easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe with you. It’s got all the fresh taste of those summer gatherings, but it’s simple enough for any day of the week.

It’s the perfect example of the kind of quick, comforting meal we love to make.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Seriously, this isn’t just any pasta salad. It’s a total game-changer for busy days or when you just want something vibrant and tasty. I make it all the time!

It’s ridiculously quick to whip up.
You don’t need any fancy skills.
The flavors are so fresh and bright.
It’s a guaranteed hit at any potluck or picnic.
Filled with good-for-you ingredients, making it a healthy choice.
Naturally vegetarian, but easy to customize!

It totally fits our vibe here at 911Recipes, where we love making things easy but still super delicious. It’s one of those quick meals that feels like a little bit of comfort food too.

Ingredients for Your Best Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Alright, let’s talk about what you need to make this magic happen. The beauty of this Mediterranean Pasta Salad is that the ingredients are simple, but when they come together, it’s just *chef’s kiss*!

Here’s your shopping list:

8 ounces of your favorite pasta shape (I usually grab rotini or penne).
1 cup of sweet cherry tomatoes, sliced in half.
1/2 cup of crisp cucumber, diced small.
1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped (a little goes a long way!).
1/4 cup of briny Kalamata olives, halved.
1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese (the salty goodness!).
1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped (don’t skip this!).
1/4 cup of good quality olive oil.
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
1 clove of garlic, minced super fine.
Salt and pepper, to make everything taste just right.

Using fresh veggies really makes a difference here. You want those bright, vibrant flavors to shine through!

How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Okay, now for the fun part – putting it all together! This part is super simple, I promise. It’s designed to be quick so you can get to the eating part faster.

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious Mediterranean Pasta Salad ready in no time. It’s way easier than you think!

Preparing the Pasta for Mediterranean Pasta Salad

First things first, get your pasta cooking. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 8 ounces of pasta and cook it according to the package directions. You want it al dente, which means cooked through but still with a little bite to it.

Once it’s done, drain it really well. Here’s a little trick: rinse the cooked pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from sticking together. It makes the salad texture just right.

Combining Ingredients for Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Now, grab a big bowl. You need one with enough room to toss everything around easily. Add your cooled, rinsed pasta to the bowl. Then, toss in all those lovely chopped veggies: the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and the halved Kalamata olives.

Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and the fresh chopped parsley. It’s already starting to look so colorful and inviting, right?

Whisking the Dressing for Mediterranean Pasta Salad

In a small bowl, it’s time to make our simple but flavorful dressing. Pour in the 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add the 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Mince that garlic clove up really fine and add it in. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Grab a whisk and give it a good mix until everything is combined. This dressing is light and lets the fresh ingredients shine.

Tossing Everything Together for Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Pour the dressing you just made right over the pasta and veggie mixture in the big bowl. Now, gently toss everything together. Make sure all the pasta and vegetables get coated in that delicious dressing.

You can serve this Mediterranean Pasta Salad right away, or if you have time, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Letting it chill helps the flavors meld together even more. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish!

Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Okay, so you’ve made your Mediterranean Pasta Salad! Here are a few little things I do to make sure it’s extra delicious every single time.

First, don’t rush it! If you have the time, letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or even an hour!) before serving makes a huge difference. The flavors really get a chance to hang out and become best friends.

Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Sometimes you might need a little more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of extra lemon juice to make it pop. Trust your taste buds!

And don’t overcook your pasta. Al dente is key for a good pasta salad texture.

Variations for Your Mediterranean Pasta Salad

One of the things I love about this Mediterranean Pasta Salad is how easy it is to switch things up! You can totally make it your own.

Want to make it a main meal? Throw in some grilled chicken or shrimp. It adds extra protein and makes it heartier.

Feel free to swap out veggies too! Sometimes I’ll add chopped bell peppers or a handful of spinach. It’s a great way to use up whatever you have in the fridge. Just play around and see what you like best!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Pasta Salad

I get asked a few things about this Mediterranean Pasta Salad, so I thought I’d answer the most common ones here:

Can I use a different kind of pasta? Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works great. Penne, rotini, farfalle… pick your favorite!

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! It actually gets better as it sits. I’d recommend making the dressing separately and tossing it with the salad about an hour or two before you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

What if I don’t like olives? No problem! Just leave them out or swap them for something else you love, like sun-dried tomatoes.

This easy Mediterranean pasta salad is super flexible!

Estimated Nutritional Information (Disclaimer)

Just a quick note about the nutrition facts we provide for this Mediterranean Pasta Salad.

The numbers you see are our best estimate. They can change based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, how much you actually eat, and any substitutions you make.

Think of it as a helpful guide, not an exact science!

Share Your Mediterranean Pasta Salad

I really hope you try this Mediterranean Pasta Salad! If you do, I’d love to hear about it.

Did you make any fun variations? How did your family like it? Drop a comment below and let me know! You can also rate the recipe or share a photo on social media and tag us. We love seeing your creations and welcoming you to our kitchen family!