If you are searching for a bright, flavorful dish that brings a burst of freshness to your table, the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant salad beautifully combines al dente penne pasta with crisp vegetables, tangy olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a zesty lemon herb dressing that brightens every bite. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes, marrying fresh herbs with Mediterranean staples in a way that feels both light and satisfyingly wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a dish to wow at your next picnic or a quick, nutritious lunch, this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to add layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender pasta to the crisp veggies and the tangy lemon herb dressing, every element works in harmony to create a delightful Mediterranean experience.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: Choose dried penne for a perfect bite that holds the dressing well.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for richness and authenticity.
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens and lifts all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that complements the lemon.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps mellow the acidity for a balanced dressing.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Fresh herbs bring a vibrant, aromatic note.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dressing with a savory depth.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, minced: This classic Mediterranean herb enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, earthy undertone to the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the ingredients and balances the acidity.
- 1 pinch cracked pepper, to taste: A little pepper adds mild heat and warmth.
- 4 cups Romaine or cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried: Crisp lettuce introduces a fresh crunch.
- 1 large cucumber, diced: Cool and hydrating texture brightens the salad’s body.
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped: Creamy avocado adds richness and smoothness.
- 1/2 large red pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips: Sweet red pepper offers color and crunch.
- 9 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet, juicy bursts add vibrant color and freshness.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Sharpness and crunch provide a nice contrast to creamy and soft ingredients.
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced: Their salty, briny notes bring that signature Mediterranean flair.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained: Intense, chewy, and slightly sweet for added complexity.
- 5-6 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy, feta ties the whole salad together perfectly.
How to Make Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until just al dente, following the package instructions closely. It’s important not to overcook, so your pasta keeps a nice bite and doesn’t become mushy. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water. This rinsing step cools the pasta and stops any further cooking, which ensures perfect texture in your salad. Transfer the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl where everything will come together.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Herb Dressing
While the pasta is cooking, it’s the perfect time to prepare the dressing. Whisk together the olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and water in a large jug or bowl. Then add the finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and a pinch of cracked pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined. The lemon juice adds brightness, while the herbs and garlic offer a fragrant, savory backdrop that will coat the pasta and veggies beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
To the bowl with the cooled pasta, add the Romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, chopped avocado, thinly sliced red pepper, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced kalamata olives, drained sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. The combination of crunchy, creamy, juicy, and salty ingredients makes every forkful exciting and delicious.
Step 4: Toss with Dressing
Drizzle the freshly made lemon herb dressing over the salad ingredients. Using gentle hands, toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats all the components. Take a moment to taste and adjust seasoning with a little extra salt or pepper if needed. This finishing step ensures every bite of your Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is bursting with balanced, vibrant Mediterranean flavor.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate your salad. Sprinkle some extra crumbled feta or a few whole kalamata olives on top. Freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges for squeezing at the table add beautiful color and a final citrusy kick. These little touches make it feel festive and thoughtfully prepared.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad shines as a main dish, but it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even roasted vegetables for a well-rounded Mediterranean-inspired meal. Serving it alongside warm pita bread with hummus also makes for a satisfying and casual lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe in individual glass jars for a picnic or party presentation. Layer the ingredients thoughtfully to showcase the vibrant colors. Another idea is to stuff it into hollowed-out bell peppers for an edible bowl that’s as eye-catching as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days to keep the fresh flavors and crisp textures intact. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle stir and add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice if it seems a bit dry.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh vegetables and avocado will lose their texture and turn mushy upon thawing. It’s best to prepare the salad fresh or plan for leftovers to be eaten cold.
Reheating
This salad is delightful served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to come to room temperature naturally without heating it, to preserve the fresh and bright flavors of the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works beautifully, feel free to experiment with fusilli, farfalle, or rotini. Just go for shapes that hold dressing well and provide a satisfying bite.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can easily make this vegan by omitting the feta cheese or substituting it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The dressing and veggies are all naturally vegan-friendly.
How long does the salad keep before it gets soggy?
For the freshest taste and texture, enjoy the salad within 2-3 days. The lemon herb dressing helps preserve the veggies’ crispness, but avocado may brown slightly when stored.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made 1-2 days ahead. Just whisk it again before tossing with the salad to ensure it’s well combined and fresh tasting.
What’s the best way to keep the avocado from browning?
Chop the avocado right before assembling the salad to keep it bright. If prepping ahead, toss the avocado pieces in a little lemon juice before adding them to slow down browning.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a refreshing, vibrant dish that feels lovingly homemade but impressive enough to serve guests or bring to gatherings. The blend of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing creates a perfect harmony that will keep you coming back for seconds. Give it a go and enjoy a wonderfully simple taste of the Mediterranean that brightens your day and your plate.
Print
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad that combines al dente penne pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy olives, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon herb dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta, dried
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch cracked pepper, to taste
Salad
- 4 cups Romaine or cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1/2 large red pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips
- 9 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
- 5–6 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander or strainer and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Lemon Herb Dressing: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a large jug or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, water, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and a pinch of cracked pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the lettuce, diced cucumber, chopped avocado, thinly sliced red pepper, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced kalamata olives, drained sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the pasta.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until all components are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper, if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean Pasta Salad immediately, or chill it briefly in the refrigerator before serving for an extra refreshing touch.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy and to cool it for the salad.
- For an extra tangy flavor, add a bit more lemon juice or red wine vinegar to the dressing.
- You can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli if preferred.
- Chilling the salad for 30 minutes before serving enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; add fresh avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
