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A Mediterranean Pasta Salad made with fresh, vibrant ingredients and tossed in a zesty Lemon Herb dressing!

Bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion, this easy dish is always a crowd favorite. After so many requests to turn my Grilled Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad into a vegetarian version, here it is – simple, satisfying, and just as delicious!

Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad is loaded with so many Mediterranean salad ingredients, and drizzled an incredible Lemon Herb dressing

Table of Contents

What Makes This Salad Work

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad brings together bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and an easy prep that makes it perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. Every bite is filled with crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and a bright, herby punch from the Mediterranean pasta salad dressing.

It’s a no-fuss Mediterranean pasta salad recipe that’s vegetarian, customizable, and guaranteed to impress—whether served cold from the fridge or at room temperature.

What Goes Into This Recipe

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Flatlay of Mediterranean pasta salad ingredients arranged in bowls on a white surface. Items include penne pasta, garlic, red wine vinegar, romaine lettuce, olive oil, water, feta cheese, salt, lemon juice, cucumber, onion, grape tomatoes, avocado, red pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, parsley, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and black pepper.

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is tossed with a bold, zesty dressing and packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients. It’s a quick and easy dish that delivers every time, perfect for sharing or meal prepping.

Here are a few stars of this easy Mediterranean pasta salad:

  • Penne pasta: Holds the dressing well and gives the salad a hearty base.
  • Lemon herb dressing: Made with olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, and herbs, this zesty Mediterranean pasta salad dressing ties everything together.
  • Feta: Salty, creamy, and packed with classic Mediterranean flair.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: A rich contrast that adds depth and texture to every bite.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad

  1. Boil Pasta: Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then transfer.
  1. Make Dressing: While the pasta is cooking, whisk together all dressing ingredients in a jug until well combined.
  1. Assemble Salad: Add the lettuce, cucumber, avocado, red pepper, tomatoes, onion, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta to the bowl with pasta.
  1. Toss and Serve: Drizzle the salad with the dressing and toss until everything is well coated. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with light, flavorful proteins. Caprese Chicken offer a sweet and tangy contrast to the salad’s zesty lemon herb dressing, while Garlic Butter Shrimp brings a rich, garlicky punch. For something a little heartier, try Lemon Parmesan Salmon or my Shrimp Cakes.

Whether you’re planning a simple lunch or a summer dinner spread, these pairings help create a well-rounded Mediterranean-inspired plate.

Recipe FAQ’s

How Should I Cook The Pasta?

Cook the pasta until al dente, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps the pasta firm and helps the salad stay fresh and light.

What Kind Of Pasta Works Best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli works well because it holds onto the dressing and mix-ins. Avoid long noodles for this recipe.

Can I Swap Out Any Ingredients?

Definitely! You can change up the veggies, use a different cheese, or even add chickpeas or artichoke hearts.

Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad is loaded with so many Mediterranean salad ingredients, and drizzled an incredible Lemon Herb dressing in a bowl

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Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad is loaded with so many Mediterranean salad ingredients, and drizzled an incredible Lemon Herb dressing
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4.91 from 10 votes

Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad

By Karina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad is loaded with so many Mediterranean salad ingredients, and drizzled with an incredible Lemon Herb dressing!
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients 
 

  • 12 ounces penne pasta dried

FOR LEMON HERB DRESSING:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed
  • 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

FOR SALAD:

  • 4 cups Romaine lettuce or cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 cucumber large, diced
  • 1 avocado peeled, pitted and chopped
  • 1/2 red pepper large, deseeded and cut into thin strips
  • 9 ounces grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup pitted kalamata olives sliced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil drained
  • 5-6 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

Instructions 

  • Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain in a colander or strainer, then rinse under cold water to take the heat out. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  • While pasta is boiling, prepare your dressing. Whisk together all of the marinade/dressing ingredients in a large jug.
  • Add all of the salad ingredients into the salad bowl along with the pasta, and drizzle with the dressing. Toss all of the ingredients together until everything is coated evenly in dressing. Season with extra salt and pepper, if desired.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Tip: If you would like an extra hit of mediterranean flavour, I recommend adding in some marinated artichoke hearts. 

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 337mg | Potassium: 414mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2.087IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this? Leave a comment below!
Karina eating butter chicken from a gold fork out of a bowl with a nann bread on the side.

Hey Good Food Lovers! It’s nice to see you! My name is Karina. Welcome to Cafe Delites, my beloved space for the last 10 years where my passion for food has flourished and connected millions!

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4.91 from 10 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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17 Comments

  1. Nancy Stell says:

    5 stars
    I made this salad and used Sweet onions instead of red onions. Usually Walla Walla or Texas sweets. Really good

    Reply
  2. Barbara Amiel says:

    This sounds delicious. I’m wondering how the lettuce holds up after it is mixed with the dressing. Does it get soggy?

    Reply
    1. Karina says:

      Hi Barbara, no, it’s fine if eaten straight away.

      Reply
  3. Hayley says:

    5 stars
    this is a great recipe. I love it. I will definetly be making this again as its so good.

    Reply