If you’re craving a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with bright, zesty flavors and wholesome ingredients, look no further than this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender penne pasta, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese all tossed with a beautifully fragrant lemon herb dressing. This salad feels like a sunny Mediterranean afternoon on a plate and is so simple to make, you’ll want to keep it in your summer rotation forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe shines because of its fresh, simple ingredients that each bring a unique element to the table. From the al dente penne pasta creating a satisfying bite to the lush avocado adding creaminess, and bright lemon juice lifting every component, these essentials work together to deliver a sensational dish.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: Cooked until al dente to provide a sturdy yet tender base that holds the dressing beautifully.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: Offers richness and a silky texture while carrying the herbs beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice: Adds a zesty, vibrant freshness that wakes up the entire salad.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that balances the richness of the oil and feta.
- 2 tablespoons water: Lightens the dressing for easier coating without losing flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brings herby brightness and an inviting green color.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Imparts gentle savory warmth that complements the lemon and herbs.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, minced: Classic Mediterranean herb that deepens the dressing’s aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, fragrant note to harmonize all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the acidity.
- 1 pinch cracked pepper, to taste: Provides a gentle kick without overwhelming.
- 4 cups Romaine or cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried: Offers a crisp, fresh crunch as a cooling contrast.
- 1 large cucumber, diced: Adds hydration and a lightly sweet crunch that freshens every bite.
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped: Creamy texture that smooths out the tangy dressing and offers a buttery richness.
- 1/2 large red pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips: Sweetness and vibrant color that make the salad visually inviting.
- 9 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts that add a bright, sweet contrast to the savory elements.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Sharpness that balances the creaminess and sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced: Briny richness that lends authentic Mediterranean flair.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained: Intense umami flavor and chewiness for added depth.
- 5-6 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese: Salty, tangy finish that ties all the Mediterranean flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until it’s perfectly al dente – tender but still with a bit of bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to both stop the cooking and cool the pasta down, which helps keep the salad crisp and refreshing. Place the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl, ready to meet its salad companions.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Herb Dressing
While the pasta is cooking, whip up the dressing to save time and infuse the flavors properly. In a jug or bowl, vigorously whisk together olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, water, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and a pinch of cracked pepper. The result should be a bright, tangy, and herbaceous dressing that will tie every ingredient harmoniously together in this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Next, add all the colorful veggies and hearty ingredients: lettuce leaves, diced cucumber, chopped avocado, thin strips of red pepper, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Each piece brings texture, color, and a flavor note ranging from crisp and fresh to savory and tangy, making this salad endlessly delightful.
Step 4: Toss with Dressing
Drizzle the freshly made lemon herb dressing over your salad and gently toss everything together. Be gentle to avoid crushing the avocado or bruising the lettuce; you want an even coating where every bite is bursting with flavor. Give it a taste and adjust with a bit more salt or pepper if needed to perfectly suit your palate. Serve immediately for the freshest taste or chill briefly to enjoy a cool, refreshing dish.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe truly shine at the table, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta, a few fresh parsley leaves, or a twist of lemon zest. These little touches add visual allure and amplify the fresh, vibrant flavors that make this dish a standout.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or flatbread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal. Its bright and herbaceous profile is also fantastic alongside roasted vegetables or a simple hummus platter for a lighter, plant-based spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve this pasta salad in individual mason jars for an eye-catching picnic or party presentation. Alternatively, layer it in a large glass bowl so the colors become part of the decor, inviting everyone to dive in and enjoy the feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it covered tightly with a plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Because of the avocado, it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later to avoid browning.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and avocado, freezing this pasta salad isn’t recommended as it will alter the texture and flavors negatively. Instead, enjoy leftovers fresh or within a couple of days for the best experience.
Reheating
This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you feel like warming it, remove the fresh veggies, heat the pasta and dressing gently, then toss everything back together after cooling slightly to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is recommended for its shape and texture, you can substitute with rotini, fusilli, or farfalle to hold the dressing well. Just be sure to cook it al dente to prevent mushiness in the salad.
How can I keep the avocado from browning in the salad?
To slow down browning, toss the chopped avocado with a little lemon juice before adding it into the salad. Also, try to prepare it just before serving or store leftovers tightly covered to reduce exposure to air.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make the Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can prepare everything in advance except for the avocado and the dressing. Store the pasta and chopped veggies separately and toss everything together with the dressing and avocado just before serving for maximum freshness.
What other herbs work well in this pasta salad?
In addition to parsley, oregano, and basil, you can experiment with fresh mint or dill for a slightly different Mediterranean twist. Each herb will add a unique layer of flavor that complements the lemon herb dressing beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say, once you try this Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe, it will become one of your go-to dishes for warm weather meals, potlucks, or whenever you need a quick, nourishing, and delicious salad. It’s truly a celebration of fresh flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds and feeling great. So grab those ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean right at your table!
Print
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad featuring al dente penne pasta tossed with fresh vegetables, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta, all dressed in a zesty lemon herb vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta, dried
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 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
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups Romaine or cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1/2 large red pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips
- 9 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
- 5–6 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Lemon Herb Dressing: While the pasta cooks, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, water, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and cracked pepper in a large jug or bowl. Whisk thoroughly until well blended.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the washed Romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, chopped avocado, thinly sliced red pepper, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced kalamata olives, drained sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese into the bowl with the cooled pasta.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared lemon herb dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss all components together until evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately for fresh flavors, or chill briefly in the refrigerator for a cool and refreshing salad experience.
Notes
- Rinsing the pasta after cooking stops it from becoming mushy and cools it for the salad.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
- You can substitute the feta cheese with a vegan alternative for a dairy-free option.
- Chilling the salad for 30 minutes enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
- Adjust salt and pepper levels to taste, especially if using salted olives or feta.
