Description
Bright, bold, and bursting with flavor, this Mediterranean Pasta is the perfect dish for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Made with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy feta, and a vibrant homemade vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing take on pasta salad that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch idea, easy dinner recipe, or healthy food ideas, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s a standout among easy recipes with Mediterranean flair and is sure to become one of your favorite dinner ideas for any season.
Ingredients
1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup diced cucumbers
1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved and pitted
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp torn fresh basil
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
2. While pasta cooks, prepare vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumbers, slice onions, and halve olives.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, and dressing. Toss well to coat.
5. Add feta, parsley, and basil. Gently mix to combine without breaking the cheese too much.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Notes
For best texture, use freshly chopped herbs and don’t skip the chill time.
If you want a milder onion flavor, soak the slices in cold water before adding.
Make ahead tip: Prep the veggies and dressing separately, then combine before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: easy recipe, pasta salad, lunch idea, dinner ideas, healthy food ideas