If you’re craving a vibrant, refreshing dish that perfectly balances tangy feta, briny olives, and fragrant herbs, you will absolutely fall in love with this Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Fresh Herbs Recipe. It’s a colorful celebration of Mediterranean flavors wrapped up in hearty pasta, making it a go-to for family dinners, picnics, or anytime you want a satisfying salad that feels like a special treat without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully to create a flavorful and visually stunning dish. Each component adds its own unique touch, from the peppery arugula to the creamy feta, ensuring every bite delights your senses.
- Orecchiette pasta: Use a chunky pasta like orecchiette to hold onto all the flavors and add satisfying texture.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, diced tomatoes bring juicy sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers: These add crunch and a vibrant rainbow of colors for a bright presentation.
- Baby arugula: Peppery greens that lift the salad with a fresh, slightly bitter note.
- Feta cheese: Crumbly and tangy, feta is the heart of this signature Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Fresh Herbs Recipe.
- Kalamata olives: Sliced for that perfect salty, briny kick that balances beautifully with the creamy feta.
- Fresh basil: Adds a sweet and slightly spicy herbal fragrance that’s unmistakably Mediterranean.
- Fresh mint: A touch of cooling freshness that brightens the entire dish.
- Olive oil: The dressing base, providing silky richness and a fruity undertone.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: For zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally without overwhelming.
- Ground black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth.
How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your orecchiette pasta in very salty water until it’s just tender but still yielding a slight bite. This salty base is essential because the pasta soaks up flavors and makes the whole salad taste vibrant. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the diced tomatoes, an array of colorful bell peppers, peppery baby arugula, crumbly feta cheese, briny kalamata olives, and the freshly chopped basil and mint. This mixture already looks like a feast for the eyes and promises layers of flavor in every forkful. Add the cooked pasta on top and gently toss everything so that each ingredient is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sea salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl to create a simple but flavorful dressing. Drizzle this over the pasta and vegetables, then toss gently but thoroughly until every bite is coated with that luscious dressing. This final step ties all the elements into one harmonious Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Fresh Herbs Recipe that is nothing short of spectacular.
How to Serve Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad even more, add a few whole basil leaves or a sprinkle of fresh mint on top just before serving. A drizzle of extra olive oil or a few more crumbles of feta can also bring flair and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light and healthy meal, or alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up the dressing. It’s fantastic at potlucks or barbecues because it holds its flavor well and looks incredibly inviting on any table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Fresh Herbs Recipe in individual mason jars for a stunning picnic presentation, or plate it in a beautiful shallow bowl with fresh herb sprigs tangled on top. Another idea is to stuff it inside pita pockets for a fresh, handheld lunch that bursts with Mediterranean goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more as it sits, but keep in mind the arugula might wilt slightly, making the salad perfect for reheating or refreshing with a little extra olive oil and lemon zest.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh vegetables and delicate herbs. Freezing will alter the texture of the salad significantly, especially the feta and olives.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm version, simply microwave leftovers briefly or gently heat the salad in a skillet without the fresh greens, then toss in fresh arugula and herbs after warming for that delicious warm-and-cool contrast.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While orecchiette works wonderfully because of its shape, chunky pasta such as shells, rotini, or penne also holds the dressing and ingredients nicely, making them great alternatives.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the feta cheese for a plant-based feta alternative or marinated tofu cubes and ensure the olives and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
What’s the best way to keep the herbs fresh in the salad?
Add the chopped herbs just before serving to keep their bright flavors and vibrant colors. If prepping ahead, store the herbs separately and mix them in right before serving.
Can I add protein to this Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Fresh Herbs Recipe?
Certainly! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or canned chickpeas make excellent additions to boost the protein content and complement the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
What makes this Mediterranean Pasta Salad special compared to other pasta salads?
The combination of fresh herbs, kalamata olives, and creamy feta with a bright lemon-olive oil dressing gives this salad its authentic Mediterranean flair. Its balance of textures and colors is both satisfying and visually stunning.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Fresh Herbs Recipe is truly a joy to make and share. Its fresh ingredients, bright flavors, and effortless preparation make it a staple you’ll return to again and again. Whether for a casual family meal or a special gathering, I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do!
Print
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender orecchiette pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, peppery arugula, crumbly feta cheese, and briny kalamata olives. Aromatic fresh basil and mint elevate the flavors, while a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing ties everything together, making it perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta (or other chunky pasta shapes)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Cheese and Olives
- 6 ounces crumbly feta cheese
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding plenty of salt to make it very salty. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced tomatoes, red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, baby arugula, crumbly feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, chopped fresh basil, and chopped mint. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare and Add Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sea salt, and ground black pepper until well emulsified. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and stir gently to ensure every bite is coated with the bright, tangy dressing.
Notes
- Use chunky pasta shapes like orecchiette that hold the dressing and ingredients well.
- This salad can be served immediately or chilled for an hour to develop flavors.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Adjust salt according to taste, especially because feta and olives add saltiness.
- Add fresh lemon zest to the dressing for extra brightness if desired.
