If you’re longing for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly irresistible dish that brings the soul of the Mediterranean straight to your table, this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with bright flavors from zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and colorful vegetables, this salad is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a summer barbecue, or simply craving something light and wholesome, this recipe delivers a satisfying and delightful experience with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward creating a dish that sings with freshness, crunch, and creaminess. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender pasta providing a comforting base to the crisp vegetables and vibrant herbs elevating the flavor and color of the salad.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold dressing and mix with every bite.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel while enhancing Mediterranean flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice: Brings bright, tangy zing to balance the olives and feta.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Deepens the dressing’s complexity with subtle acidity.
- 2 tablespoons water: Lightens the dressing for easy tossing without overpowering taste.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Offers fresh herbaceous notes and a pop of green color.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Packs a punch of savory depth in every mouthful.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, minced: Essential for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Creates sweet and slightly peppery undertones.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the vibrant flavors perfectly.
- 1 pinch cracked pepper, to taste: Adds just enough warmth to balance the dish.
- 4 cups Romaine or cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried: Provides a crisp, refreshing base.
- 1 large cucumber, diced: Adds a juicy crunch and cooling effect.
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped: Delivers buttery creaminess that complements the crisp veggies.
- 1/2 large red pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips: Brings sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 9 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juicy bursts of sweet-tart flavor.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a subtle sharpness and a punch of color.
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced: Adds briny, slightly tangy richness.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained: Introduces chewy, intense tomato sweetness.
- 5-6 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese: Finishes the salad with creamy, salty tang.
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. Adding salt is your secret weapon to infuse the pasta with flavor from the inside out. Once boiling, drop in your penne pasta and cook it until just al dente—firm yet tender. Drain and immediately rinse the pasta under cold water to halt cooking and cool it down for the salad, ensuring perfect texture that won’t get mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Herb Dressing
While the pasta cooks, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, water, chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and a pinch of cracked pepper. This dressing is the heart of the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe; it’s bright, zesty, and herbaceous, perfectly balancing the freshness of the veggies and the saltiness of feta and olives.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with crisp Romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, creamy avocado, sliced red pepper, halved tomatoes, thin red onion slices, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Each ingredient adds a unique texture and layer of flavor that makes this salad exciting and colorful.
Step 4: Toss with Dressing
Pour the freshly made dressing over the assembled salad ingredients. Then, gently toss everything together to ensure every bite is coated in that irresistible lemon herb goodness. Take a moment to taste and tweak with extra salt or pepper if needed—it’s all about personalizing your perfect Mediterranean pasta salad experience. Serve immediately or chill briefly for a crisp, refreshing finish.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation and flavor by adding a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta or freshly chopped parsley on top. Lemon zest is also a lovely touch that brightens each bite and makes the dish look inviting and fresh.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal. For vegetarians, warm pita bread or a side of hummus makes an excellent accompaniment that complements the flavors without overshadowing the star salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual mason jars for picnic-friendly, portable lunches. Alternatively, layer it in a beautiful glass bowl to show off the vibrant colors, making it a centerpiece-worthy dish for gatherings or potlucks. You can also stuff it into hollowed-out bell peppers for an eye-catching, edible bowl twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad is best enjoyed within that timeframe to maintain crisp vegetables and fresh flavors. If the salad seems dry upon serving next day, a quick drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will revive its vibrancy.
Freezing
This Mediterranean pasta salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh vegetables and dressing, which don’t hold up well when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or make just enough to minimize leftovers.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating is not recommended. Serve chilled or at room temperature to appreciate the bright, fresh flavors the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe has to offer.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses penne for its excellent ability to hold the dressing, you can substitute with rotini, fusilli, or farfalle for similar results. Just make sure the pasta is al dente so it stays firm in the salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe calls for regular penne pasta, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpeas without altering the delicious flavors.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, just omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep the salad completely vegan while retaining its creamy appeal.
How long can I prepare the salad in advance?
This salad tastes freshest when assembled and dressed just before serving or no more than a few hours ahead. If preparing early, store the dressing separately and toss right before serving to prevent sogginess.
What if I don’t like olives or sun-dried tomatoes?
You can easily customize the salad by omitting olives or sun-dried tomatoes or substituting with other ingredients like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or capers, making the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe flexible and friendly to your tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings joy every time you make it. With a perfect balance of tart lemon, fragrant herbs, crisp vegetables, and creamy feta, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether for a quick lunch, a potluck, or a light dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels anything but ordinary. Give it a try—you won’t regret adding this vibrant salad to your recipe collection!
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Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad combines al dente penne pasta with fresh vegetables, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon herb dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, picnic dish, or side salad, this vibrant and colorful salad brings Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta, dried
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch cracked pepper, to taste
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups Romaine or cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1/2 large red pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips
- 9 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
- 5–6 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Lemon Herb Dressing: While the pasta is cooking, whisk together olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, water, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and a pinch of cracked pepper in a large jug or bowl until fully combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the Romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, chopped avocado, thinly sliced red pepper, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced kalamata olives, drained sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the pasta.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared lemon herb dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until all components are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean Pasta Salad immediately for the best flavor, or chill it briefly in the refrigerator if you prefer a cooler, more refreshing salad.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh herbs if available instead of dried oregano and basil.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead – just toss with dressing right before serving to keep vegetables crisp.
- Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a more filling meal.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
