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
Scale
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
