The Perfect Summer Bite: Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Beat the heat with this easy-to-make, flavor-packed summer recipe you’ll want to enjoy all season long.
Summer calls for meals that are light, refreshing, and easy to prepare —
without sacrificing flavor.
This Mediterranean Summer Pasta Salad combines al dente pasta, juicy
veggies, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing for a dish that’s
as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you’re planning a picnic,
a beach day, or a lazy evening at home, this is the taste of summer in
every bite.
The recipe at a glance
⏱ Prep Time: 20 min | 🍳 Cook Time: 8–10 min | 🍽 Servings: 4
- Light & Fresh: Perfect balance of tangy, salty, and herby notes.
- Quick & Simple: No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after a chill in the fridge.
Ingredients
For the salad
- 300 g short pasta (fusilli, farfalle, or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted & halved
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice & zest of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Make the dressing:Whisk olive oil, lemon juice & zest, garlic, mustard, honey, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Mix the salad:In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, roasted peppers, feta, basil, and red onion.
- Dress it:Pour over the dressing, toss gently, and refrigerate for 15 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Enjoy:Serve chilled and garnish with extra basil if desired.
Why you'll love it
- 🌿 Full of summer flavors
- 🕒 Ready in under 30 minutes
- 🧺 Great for gatherings or when you're on the go
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Mediterranean pasta salad with grilled chicken, fresh bread, or a chilled white wine for the perfect summer meal.
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or add a few sun-dried tomatoes.