If you are on the lookout for a dish that bursts with color, flavor, and Mediterranean charm, then you’re going to adore this Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of tender elbow macaroni blended with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a zesty, herbaceous dressing. Whether you want a refreshing side for a summer barbecue or a light main for lunch, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad plays a crucial role in building a mosaic of textures and flavors. From the soft pasta to the tangy feta, and the juicy tomatoes to the punchy dressing, each element adds its own magic to this easy Mediterranean staple.
- Elbow macaroni: The perfect small pasta shape that holds dressing beautifully without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bright and juicy, they bring a pop of color and a fresh sweetness to the bowl.
- Cucumber: Adds a crisp, cooling crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy feta.
- Red onion: Finely chopped to add just the right amount of sharpness and depth without overwhelming.
- Black olives: Sliced to introduce a savory, salty kick essential to Mediterranean cuisine.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta brings a creamy, tangy richness that ties everything together.
- Olive oil: The base of the dressing, lending fruity warmth and a silky texture.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity to brighten and balance the flavors perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle heat and emulsifies the dressing for a smooth finish.
- Dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that infuses the salad with earthy, aromatic notes.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and unify all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a fresh, herbaceous lift at the end.
How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil – this is crucial for flavorful pasta. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes, so it retains a slight bite that holds up well in the salad.
Step 2: Cool and Drain
Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse under cold water. This halts the cooking process and cools the pasta down, preventing it from turning mushy. Set it aside to drain fully so it won’t water down your salad.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, ensuring each bite is refreshing and juicy. Finely chop the red onion for just the right zing, and slice the black olives to introduce that signature Mediterranean salty punch.
Step 4: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled macaroni, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Crumble the feta cheese over the mixture for that creamy texture and tangy flavor that you will love in every bite.
Step 5: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Stir in dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to infuse layers of aroma and seasoning into your dressing.
Step 6: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then gently toss everything to evenly coat each ingredient. This step is where all the flavors start to meld beautifully together.
Step 7: Add Fresh Parsley and Chill
Sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley for a bright herbal note, toss again, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to marry and creates a truly harmonious Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe.
How to Serve Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or extra parsley make vibrant garnishes. A scattering of pine nuts or toasted almonds adds welcome crunch, and a drizzle of additional olive oil just before serving can amp up the richness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even crusty bread. It’s perfect alongside your favorite Mediterranean-inspired main dishes or as a refreshing stand-alone meal on a hot day.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual mason jars for picnic-perfect portability or stack it in layers with other Mediterranean delights in a large glass bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients. Adding edible flowers can create a stunning presentation for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps its freshness for up to 3 days, making it an easy, ready-to-go meal for busy days.
Freezing
This salad isn’t suited for freezing because fresh vegetables and feta cheese can lose their texture and flavor when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to come to room temperature naturally before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the vegetables and change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic here, other small shapes like rotini, farfalle, or penne work wonderfully because they trap the dressing and ingredients equally well.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe calls for feta cheese, which is dairy-based. To make it vegan, simply swap the feta for a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether and add extra olives or roasted nuts for richness.
How long should I marinate the salad before serving?
Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes is ideal to let the flavors meld. You can also prepare it a day ahead for even deeper flavor infusion.
Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
Definitely! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas turns this into a hearty, filling meal while keeping all the delicious Mediterranean flavors intact.
What kind of olives are best for this salad?
Black olives are traditional and offer the right salty balance. Kalamata olives are an excellent choice too if you want a slightly fruitier, robust olive flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about this Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe. Its vibrant ingredients and zesty dressing make every bite a delight, whether you’re packing it for lunch or serving it at your next gathering. Give it a try and you might just have a new favorite go-to salad that feels like a vacation in a bowl.
