Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Herbs

Name: Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Herbs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Favorite World Food Inspiration

I love making Mediterranean Pasta Salad with fresh herbs because it’s such a vibrant and refreshing dish. The combination of colorful vegetables, al dente pasta, and aromatic herbs makes it an ideal meal for sunny days or gatherings. It’s easy to prepare, and the best part is that the flavors deepen as it sits, allowing the herbs to infuse the pasta beautifully. Whether as a side or a main course, this salad celebrates the freshness of Mediterranean cuisine, making it one of my go-to recipes.

Created by

Bryony Wells

Last updated on 2026-02-15T02:07:36.645Z

Every time I prepare this Mediterranean Pasta Salad, I’m transported to a sun-soaked terrace overlooking the sea. I found that combining fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers results in a salad that feels vibrant and alive. One tip I’ve perfected is to let the salad marinate for at least 30 minutes after mixing—all those herbal flavors come together, creating a delightful blend.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas. The dressing, an easy mix of olive oil and lemon juice, is zesty and enhances the ingredients beautifully. I recommend adding the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors and colorful veggies
Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep or picnics
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite additions

Choosing the Right Pasta

The choice of pasta is crucial in creating the perfect Mediterranean Pasta Salad. I recommend using fusilli or penne because their shapes hold onto the dressing and flavors beautifully. Cook the pasta until it's al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite, which prevents it from becoming mushy when combined with the fresh vegetables. Be sure to taste the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to achieve that perfect texture.

When boiling the pasta, remember to add ample salt to the water, similar to the salinity of the sea. This enhances the pasta's natural flavor, ensuring each bite is delicious. After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is essential as it cools the pasta quickly, preventing further cooking, and keeps it firm for the salad.

Herb Freshness Matters

Fresh herbs are the heart of this Mediterranean Pasta Salad. I strongly recommend using freshly chopped parsley and basil, as dried herbs will not provide the same vibrant flavor and aroma. Fresh herbs release essential oils and bring brightness, making the dish more uplifting and enjoyable. If you can, purchase herbs from a local farmers' market or grow them in your garden for the best possible quality.

For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, think about adding herbs like mint or dill for a unique twist. These can also blend well with the other salad ingredients. If you're short on time, you can substitute with a store-bought mix of Italian herbs, but I highly suggest sticking with fresh for that punchy Mediterranean flavor.

Make-Ahead and Variations

One of the best aspects of this salad is that it can be prepared in advance. Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish. You can easily make it the night before, meaning it's ready to grab for picnics or meal prep. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Feel free to customize this salad based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein if you want to make it a heartier main dish. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant also make fantastic additions, enhancing the salad’s flavor profile while keeping with that Mediterranean theme.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Mediterranean Pasta Salad:

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix these ingredients together for a delicious salad!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Mediterranean Pasta Salad:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.

Mix the Salad

Add the cooked pasta, parsley, and basil to the bowl with the vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.

Chill and Serve

Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Your Mediterranean Pasta Salad is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For additional flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine vinegar or a sprinkle of oregano to the dressing. Feel free to substitute any vegetables you love or have on hand.

Storage Tips

To preserve the freshness of your Mediterranean Pasta Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. However, if you add ingredients that tend to sweat, like tomatoes or cucumbers, I recommend consuming the salad within one or two days to ensure the best texture and taste.

If you're looking to freeze the salad, it's best to avoid freezing any components that contain dairy, like feta cheese. Instead, you can prepare the pasta and vegetables, freeze them, and then mix with fresh herbs and dressing when ready to enjoy. This method will help maintain the quality and flavor of the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it an excellent side dish for barbecue parties or family dinners. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette, allowing the flavors of both dishes to shine without overpowering each other.

If you want to elevate the presentation, consider serving this salad on a platter with a sprinkle of extra feta and a few whole herbs on top for a garnish. Drizzle a little olive oil and a squeeze of lemon before serving for that extra zing. Guests will appreciate the beautiful colors and inviting aromas, making it a centerpiece at any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the dressing just before serving.

→ Is it suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This pasta salad is vegetarian and packed with nutritious ingredients.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well too.

→ What can I add to make it a complete meal?

You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein!