Mediterranean Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that has changed my approach to pasta. This dish combines the freshness of juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese with a simple homemade vinaigrette. It’s not just a meal; it’s a refreshing experience that brightens up lunch or dinner. Whether you’re preparing for family gatherings or looking for a quick meal prep idea, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Pasta
This Mediterranean pasta recipe brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors and offers numerous benefits:
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with vegetables and protein.
- Versatile; you can use any pasta type, such as Mediterranean penne or Mediterranean fusilli.
- Great for meal prep; it stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Can be easily tailored to various diets, including vegetarian options.
- This dish can be served warm or cold, making it a year-round favorite.
With its Mediterranean-inspired pasta meals, you’ll never run out of delicious ideas for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Pasta
Gather these items:
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved and pitted
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp torn fresh basil
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumbers, slice onions, and halve olives.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, and dressing. Toss well to coat.
- Step 5: Add feta, parsley, and basil. Gently mix to combine without breaking the cheese too much.
- Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Pro Tips for the Best Mediterranean Pasta
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients to elevate the flavor of your dish.
- For a Mediterranean seafood pasta variation, add shrimp or scallops for protein.
- Try using Mediterranean linguine for a different texture.
Best Ways to Serve Mediterranean Pasta
This dish can be served in numerous ways:
- As a main course or a hearty side dish.
- Pair it with grilled chicken for added protein.
- Serve it chilled as a refreshing Mediterranean pasta salad.
How to Store and Reheat Mediterranean Pasta
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for a couple of minutes or serve cold. This dish is perfect for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Pasta
What’s the secret to perfect Mediterranean Pasta?
The key to perfect Mediterranean pasta is ensuring that the pasta is cooked al dente and using fresh ingredients. This enhances the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Can I make Mediterranean Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mediterranean Pasta?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the pasta and use high-quality olive oil. A good dressing is essential for a flavorful dish.
Variations of Mediterranean Pasta You Can Try
Explore these delicious variations:
- Try using Mediterranean spaghetti for a classic twist.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, incorporate roasted vegetables.
With these ideas, you can enjoy a different Mediterranean noodle dish every time!
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try our Greek Chili Chicken Alfredo for a Mediterranean twist.
For more information on Mediterranean ingredients, you can visit Healthline’s guide on Mediterranean diet foods.
To learn more about the benefits of olive oil, check out this study on olive oil.
Print
Mediterranean Pasta: 5 Fresh and Flavorful Recipes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright, bold, and bursting with flavor, this Mediterranean Pasta is the perfect dish for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Made with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy feta, and a vibrant homemade vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing take on pasta salad that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved and pitted
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp torn fresh basil
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- While pasta cooks, prepare vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumbers, slice onions, and halve olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, and dressing. Toss well to coat.
- Add feta, parsley, and basil. Gently mix to combine without breaking the cheese too much.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
