Side Dishes > Make-Ahead Side Dishes > Cold Make-Ahead Sides > Make-Ahead Pasta Salad

Make-Ahead Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean pasta salad perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and easy lunch. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 pound Pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
  • 1 medium, diced Cucumber
  • 1 pint, halved Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1/2 medium, thinly sliced Red Onion
  • 1/2 cup, pitted and halved Kalamata Olives
  • 4 ounces, crumbled Feta Cheese
  • 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh Parsley
  • 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1/3 cup, extra virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • To taste Salt
  • To taste Black Pepper

Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Chop the fresh parsley.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Stir in the chopped parsley.

Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Before serving, toss again and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with extra feta cheese and parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Calories: 180kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 9g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

To reduce fat content, use less olive oil or substitute with a light vinaigrette. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. To increase protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.

← Make-Ahead Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Make-Ahead Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad →

FAQ

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

    Yes, you can use any short pasta shape such as rotini, penne, farfalle, or bow tie pasta.
  • Can I add other vegetables?

    Absolutely! Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini would all be delicious additions.
  • How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?

    The salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Can I freeze this pasta salad?

    Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables may become mushy upon thawing. It's best to enjoy this salad fresh.