Mediterranean Olive Oil Feta Pasta

A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad featuring tangy feta, briny olives, ripe tomatoes, and crisp vegetables—all tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing. The perfect light Mediterranean-inspired plate for warm weeknight dinners.

I often make this salad during summer gatherings because it keeps well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle), Salt for boiling water
• Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 medium cucumber diced, 1 small red onion thinly sliced, 1/2 red bell pepper diced
• Cheese & Olives: 150 g (5 oz) feta cheese crumbled, 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
• Dressing: 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 clove garlic minced, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1 tbsp fresh basil sliced (optional)

Instructions

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2:

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

Step 3:

Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the vegetables.

Step 4:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 5:

Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to combine.

Step 6:

Add the crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, parsley, and basil (if using). Toss lightly to distribute.

Step 7:

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

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This salad was a hit at our last family picnic, bringing everyone together around the table for seconds and laughter.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 410 per serving, Total Fat: 19 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 13 g

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or at room temperature with crusty bread or alongside grilled meats for a complete meal.

Variations

Add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture.

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Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.

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This pasta salad is a simple way to bring the bright and fresh flavors of the Mediterranean into your kitchen any day of the week.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best?

Short shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing well and complement the texture of the vegetables.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap regular pasta for certified gluten-free varieties without altering the flavor profile.

→ Can this salad be served warm?

While best chilled or at room temperature, serving it slightly warm is also enjoyable and enhances the olive oil aroma.

→ Are there any suggested ingredient substitutions?

Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts add extra flavor and texture variations.

→ What herbs bring out the flavors best?

Fresh parsley and basil add brightness and aromatic notes that balance the tangy feta and olives.