Do Share Recipe

Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives Recipe

When I first made this Mediterranean Pasta Salad, I was looking for a quick and refreshing meal. It completely won over my family, becoming an instant favorite. The blend of tangy olives, crisp vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette is just so satisfying.

If you’re looking for other unique dishes, you might also want to explore our guide to the Mini Taco Cupcakes with Zesty Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe. This salad, however, has become my go-to for its simplicity and incredible flavor.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives Recipe

Your Shopping List: The Best Ingredients

To create a truly spectacular salad, the quality of your ingredients is key. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is important. Freshness makes all the difference in a recipe this simple, bringing the bright flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen.

Cooked Pasta – 2 cups: Use a shape like penne, rotini, or fusilli. These shapes have plenty of nooks and crannies to catch the delicious dressing.
Kalamata Olives – 1 cup, pitted: These offer a distinct, briny flavor that is central to Mediterranean cuisine. Don’t substitute with other types if you can help it.
Cherry Tomatoes – 1 ½ cups, halved: They provide a sweet, juicy burst that balances the saltiness of the olives and feta.
Cucumber – 1 cup, diced: For a cool, crisp texture. I prefer English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.
Red Onion – ½, thinly sliced: Adds a bit of sharp, zesty flavor. Soaking the slices in cold water for 10 minutes can mellow their bite if you prefer.
Feta Cheese – 1 cup, crumbled: For the best flavor and texture, buy a block of feta in brine and crumble it yourself. It’s creamier and less dry than pre-crumbled versions.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – ¼ cup: This is the base of your dressing, so use a good quality oil for a richer, more authentic taste.
Red Wine Vinegar – 3 tablespoons: Provides the tangy kick that brightens up the entire salad.
Garlic – 1 clove, minced: Freshly minced garlic is always best for a potent, aromatic flavor.
Dried Oregano – 1 teaspoon: This herb is a staple in Mediterranean cooking, adding an earthy, aromatic note.
Salt and Pepper – To taste: Adjust the seasoning just before serving for the perfect balance.
Fresh Parsley or Basil – For garnish: Adds a final touch of freshness and color.

Note: The quantities listed will yield approximately 4 to 6 servings, depending on whether it’s served as a main course or a side dish.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)

Equipment You Need

Large Pot: For boiling the pasta to a perfect al dente.
Colander: To drain the cooked pasta and rinse it with cold water.
Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the salad ingredients and tossing them together.
Small Bowl or Jar: To whisk or shake the dressing ingredients until they are well combined.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping all your fresh vegetables.

How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives

Putting this salad together is a straightforward process that delivers impressive results. The key is to start with well-cooked pasta and fresh ingredients, then allow the flavors to meld together. Follow these simple steps for a perfect salad every time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente, or firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy once mixed with the dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese

While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the rest of your ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Crumble your block of feta cheese. This prep work ensures everything is ready to go.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. In your large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta.

Step 5: Dress and Chill

Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil just before serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this salad many times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to elevate it from good to great.

Rinse the pasta: I always rinse the pasta in cold water. This not only cools it down quickly but also removes excess starch, preventing the salad from becoming gummy.
Let it marinate: The flavor gets so much better after it sits. I try to make it at least a few hours ahead, and it’s even more delicious the next day.
Add a squeeze of lemon: Just before serving, I like to squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top. It adds an extra layer of brightness that really makes the flavors pop.
Don’t skimp on the herbs: Using fresh parsley or basil as a garnish isn’t just for looks. The fresh herbs add a wonderful aroma and taste that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Variations to Try

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For more ideas, you can explore other dinner recipes on our site.

Go dairy-free: You can easily make this salad vegan by using a plant-based feta cheese substitute or simply omitting the cheese.
Add more protein: For a heartier meal, add a can of drained chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
Mix up the veggies: Feel free to add other Mediterranean-inspired vegetables like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Flavor boosters: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice touch of heat, while a handful of toasted pine nuts can provide a lovely crunch.

How to Serve Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives

This salad is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for almost any occasion. Its bright colors and fresh flavors make it a welcome addition to any table. You can serve it as a light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or a standout contribution to a potluck.

At picnics and potlucks, as it travels well and tastes great served cold or at room temperature.
As a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs or steak.
Packed in individual jars for a convenient and portable make-ahead lunch.
As a light main course, served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the dressing.

Calories Count

This salad is a nutritious and balanced option. Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: ~350 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Protein: ~8g
Fat: ~20g
Fiber: ~5g

How to Store Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives

Proper storage keeps this salad fresh and delicious.

Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the vegetables will become watery and lose their texture upon thawing.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold. If you prefer it at room temperature, simply take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this Mediterranean Pasta Salad is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Quick and Easy: It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of briny olives, tangy feta, and fresh vegetables is incredibly delicious.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead lunch.
Highly Versatile: Serve it as a side, a main, or take it to a potluck—it works for any occasion.
Easily Customizable: You can easily add or substitute ingredients to suit your taste.

More to Know

Choosing the right pasta shape can make a big difference. Shapes like rotini, penne, and bow ties are excellent choices because their ridges and curves are perfect for catching the dressing and small bits of feta and herbs.

This ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. Also, while the recipe calls for chilling, if you’re short on time, the salad is still delicious when served immediately after tossing. The flavors just become deeper and more complex as it rests.

Ben Carraoli