Mediterranean Olive Oil Feta

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.

This pasta salad quickly became a favorite in my home, perfect for warm evenings and always satisfying without feeling heavy.

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

Bake lasagna, casseroles, and roasted dishes evenly, then serve straight from oven to table.

Check price on Amazon

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.

Bake lasagna, casseroles, and roasted dishes evenly, then serve straight from oven to table.

Check price on Amazon

Bake lasagna, casseroles, and roasted dishes evenly, then serve straight from oven to table.

Check price on Amazon

Save

This dish is always a hit at family gatherings, bringing everyone together over its vibrant flavors and simple preparation.

Notes

For extra flavor add roasted red peppers sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts. Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Excellent with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé.

Required Tools

Large pot Colander Large mixing bowl Small bowl or jar (for dressing) Knife and cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories 410 Total Fat 19 g Carbohydrates 48 g Protein 13 g

Save

Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.

Check price on Amazon

This Mediterranean pasta salad is easy to customize and perfect for any season.

Questions & Answers

→ What pasta types work best in this dish?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing and ingredients well, providing great texture and ease of mixing.

→ Can this dish be served warm?

While best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to enhance freshness, serving slightly warmed is possible but may soften the vegetables.

→ How can I make the dressing more vibrant?

Using fresh lemon juice and high-quality extra-virgin olive oil ensures a bright, zesty dressing. Adding minced garlic and dried oregano enhances the herbal notes.

→ Are there good additions for extra flavor?

Consider adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for deeper flavor layers and variety in texture.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, substituting the short pasta with certified gluten-free pasta makes this dish gluten-free while maintaining its texture and taste.

→ What herbs complement this pasta salad?

Fresh parsley provides a clean, bright note, while fresh basil adds subtle sweetness and aroma, both enhancing the overall flavor.