Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Zesty Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
A vibrant salad featuring rotini pasta, crisp vegetables, briny olives, and feta, tossed with a refreshing herb-infused lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for warm weather or light meals.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
1/2 lemon, zested
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, feta, parsley, and oregano.
In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss to coat.
Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Pasta can be pre-cooked and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
Add chickpeas or grilled zucchini for extra protein/texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg