Mediterranean Lemon Pasta Salad
Bright, zesty, and packed with Mediterranean flavors, this Lemon Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Featuring tender penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy kalamata olives, and creamy crumbled feta cheese, this dish delights with a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The star of the recipe is the homemade lemon dressing—a refreshing combination of freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and classic Mediterranean herbs like oregano. With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time, this easy pasta salad is perfect for busy weeknights or a make-ahead option for picnics and potlucks. Enjoy it as a light main course or a flavorful side dish, served chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and extra freshness, and let every bite transport you to the sunny Mediterranean coast!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams penne pasta
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium cucumber
- 100 grams kalamata olives
- 1 small red onion
- 100 grams feta cheese
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion thinly, and chop the kalamata olives (if desired). Set aside.
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure even coating.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2215 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 110.5 g | 142% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.8 g | 124% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 89 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 4789 mg | 208% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 261.5 g | 95% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.0 g | 86% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.5 g | ||
| Protein | 56.6 g | 113% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 708 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 17.0 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 1683 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
