Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re craving something that’s equal parts fresh, zesty, and delightfully satisfying, this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender pasta tossed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, crumbly feta, and a medley of fragrant herbs, all brought together by a punchy lemon herb dressing. It’s the perfect dish for sunny days, easy lunches, or sharing at a potluck—truly a bowl of Mediterranean sunshine that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is in its simple, vibrant ingredients. Each component plays an important role in creating a dish that’s packed with flavor, color, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why every ingredient matters:
- Pasta (12 oz rotini or penne): Rotini or penne hold onto the dressing and veggies, making every bite flavorful.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bursts of sweetness and juiciness brighten up the salad.
- Cucumber (1, diced): Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances the other flavors.
- Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Offers a mild sharpness and beautiful pop of color.
- Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, sliced): Their savory, salty bite is classic Mediterranean.
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Creamy and tangy, feta brings richness to the salad.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Lends a bright, herby layer that’s so refreshing.
- Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that’s unmistakably Mediterranean.
- Fresh basil (1 tablespoon, chopped): Its sweet, peppery notes elevate the whole dish.
- Lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon): Infuses the salad with citrusy aroma and zing.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup): The dressing’s rich, silky foundation.
- Fresh lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Gives the dressing its signature tang and brightness.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Helps emulsify the dressing and adds gentle heat.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): A little goes a long way for savory depth.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Classic Mediterranean seasoning for warmth and complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the bowl.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to finish off the dressing.
How to Make Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rotini or penne. Cook them according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente—tender but with a little bite. Once done, drain and immediately rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta quickly, which is key for a great pasta salad texture.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables and Herbs
While the pasta cools, grab your sharpest knife and get chopping! Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and slice up those briny kalamata olives. Chop the parsley, dill, and basil, and zest your lemon. Prepping these fresh ingredients in advance makes assembly a breeze.
Step 3: Mix the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with your prepped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, dill, basil, and that fragrant lemon zest. Gently toss everything together so each ingredient is evenly distributed, creating a colorful and inviting base for the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Herb Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. This zippy, herby dressing is what transforms the salad into something truly special.
Step 5: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over your pasta salad and toss thoroughly until every nook and cranny is coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld, making each bite of the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe even more irresistible.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your salad with a flourish by sprinkling on extra crumbled feta, a handful of fresh chopped herbs, or a few grinds of black pepper. A little extra lemon zest on top can also make the flavors pop and add a sunny look to your serving platter.
Side Dishes
This salad is a superstar on its own but pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or falafel for extra protein. Add some warm pita bread or a simple Greek-style soup on the side, and you’ve got a Mediterranean feast that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe in a large colorful bowl for family-style dining, or dish it up in individual mason jars for picnics and parties. For an elegant appetizer, try spooning the salad into crisp endive leaves or mini bell pepper halves for a bite-sized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Store any remaining Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for lunches and busy weeks.
Freezing
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked, cooled pasta on its own. Freezing the assembled salad isn’t recommended, as the veggies and herbs may lose their crispness and vibrant color after thawing.
Reheating
This dish is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you’d like to refresh the flavors after storing, simply give the salad a good toss and add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it several hours or even a day ahead gives the flavors time to meld. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and toss again before serving for best results.
Which pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Rotini and penne are my top picks because their twists and tubes hold onto the dressing and veggies perfectly, but bowtie or fusilli would work nicely as well.
Is there a way to make this vegan?
Definitely! Simply skip the feta or swap it for a plant-based alternative. Everything else in the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is naturally vegan-friendly.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes! Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or even chickpeas for a heartier meal. These additions blend seamlessly with the Mediterranean flavors.
What’s the best way to transport this salad for picnics or potlucks?
Pack the salad in a well-sealed container and bring the dressing on the side if you want to keep everything extra crisp. Toss together right before serving, and you’ll have the freshest, most flavorful salad at the table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add some Mediterranean magic to your table, give this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe a try. It’s fresh, easy, endlessly adaptable, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen—just one bite and you’ll see why everyone falls in love with it!
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Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad combines al dente pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon herb dressing, making it a perfect light lunch or picnic dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- zest of 1 lemon
Lemon Herb Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, sliced kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, dill, basil, and lemon zest. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and combined.
- Toss the Salad with Dressing: Pour the lemon herb dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a container with a lid, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld for the best taste when served.
Notes
- This pasta salad can be made up to one day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator for convenience and enhanced flavor.
- For additional protein, consider adding grilled chicken breast slices or canned chickpeas to make it more filling.
- This dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings like picnics or potlucks, as well as for light, healthy lunches on warm days.
- Use freshly chopped herbs to maximize the bright, fresh flavor of the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
