Dinner

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta; 1 cup halved grape tomatoes; 1 cup sliced and quartered cucumbers; 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1 cup baby spinach; 1/2 cup sliced pitted green olives; 1/2 cup sliced pitted black olives; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 to 3/4 cup Homemade Greek Salad Dressing; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/2 cup red wine vinegar; 1 large clove minced garlic; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

ByCharlotte Montgomery January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

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Introduction

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh dish perfect for warm days or as a flavorful side. Combining crisp vegetables, tangy olives, and creamy feta with a zesty homemade Greek dressing makes every bite a delight.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a colorful penne pasta salad layered with light yellow pasta tubes. Mixed throughout are bright green spinach leaves, dark black olive slices, and chunks of white feta cheese. There are also pieces of green cucumber and vibrant red cherry tomato halves, along with thin slices of purple-red onion scattered on top. The pasta salad looks seasoned with small flecks of black herbs. Around the plate, there are salt and pepper shakers, a bowl of black olives, another bowl with green olives, and a red-and-white checkered cloth with three silver forks resting on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
1 cup sliced and quartered cucumbers
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup baby spinach
1/2 cup sliced pitted green olives
1/2 cup sliced pitted black olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 to 3/4 cup Homemade Greek Salad Dressing

For the Homemade Greek Salad Dressing:

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 large clove minced garlic
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, baby spinach, and both types of olives.
Step 3: Drizzle about 1/2 cup of the Homemade Greek Salad Dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Step 4: Add the crumbled feta cheese and toss again. Adjust seasoning by adding more dressing, salt, and pepper as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Step 5: To make the Greek Salad Dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl or shake well in a jar with a lid until well blended.

Tips & Variations

Use rotini or penne pasta for better dressing adherence.
For extra freshness, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Substitute Kalamata olives if you prefer a stronger olive flavor.
Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for deeper flavor before serving.
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a heartier meal.

Storage

Store the pasta salad covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may absorb dressing and become softer over time, so add extra dressing or fresh vegetables when serving leftovers. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has one main layer of penne pasta with pieces of green spinach leaves, dark black olives, sliced light green cucumbers, halved bright red cherry tomatoes, thin slices of purple onion, and small cubes of white feta cheese mixed together. The pasta and vegetables are coated lightly in herbs and oil giving a slightly glossy texture. Two metal spoons rest inside the bowl. Around the bowl, there are small white bowls filled with green and black olives, a white cutting board topped with some sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, loose penne pasta pieces, salt and pepper shakers, a red and white checkered cloth, and a clear glass of dressing. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, preparing it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and toss before serving.

Is this pasta salad suitable for vegan diets?

The salad as written contains feta cheese, which is not vegan. You can omit the feta or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative to make the salad vegan-friendly.