Easy Mediterranean Olive Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Mediterranean Olive Pasta Salad Recipe: refreshing, flavorful, and quick macaroni pasta salad recipe uses Mediterranean ingredients like olives, feta cheese, zaatar, sesame seeds, basil, mint, nuts, and fresh lemon juice. Perfect for light meals, sides, picnics or packed office lunches. There is no cream or mayonnaise used. 

Why Mediterranean Olive Pasta Salad Recipe:

After all the Diwali (Indian Festival of Lights) sugary treats and loads of Indian comfort food, we were craving a simple, healthy, quick recipe, and what better than this 15-minute easy refreshing Meditteranean olive pasta salad!

It literally transports you to the luscious Mediterranean flavors and is packed with wholesome ingredients, including pasta, olives, feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a delicious dressing.

It’s perfect as a quick meal/salad or as a side dish for any meal and we love it cause:

1. Bursting with Flavor: Mediterranean ingredients like olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese create a perfect harmony of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors.

2. Healthy and Nutritious: Rich in healthy fats from olives and olive oil, fiber, and vitamins from veggies, it’s a nutritious option for any meal.

3. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients for the Best Mediterranean Olive Pasta Salad

To make quick salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

•Pasta: Use short pasta like macaroni, shells, rotini, fusilli, or penne, which holds the dressing well and adds a satisfying bite.

•Olives: Kalamata or green olives work best for this salad, adding a rich, briny flavor.

•Feta Cheese: A Mediterranean staple, feta’s creamy, tangy flavor balances the dish beautifully.

•Fresh Herbs: Basil, parsley, or oregano bring an aromatic freshness.

•Lemon Juice: fresh lemon juice is preferred but you can use artificial or bottled too

•Olive Oil: for the dressing

•Nuts: choose as per your choice or skip if allergic. I’m using it instead of any protein.

•Sesame Seeds: optional but adds a great nutty taste

•Chili Flakes: adds a bit of kick but can be skipped

•Zaatar: this adds a lemony herby flavor to this recipe, can skip it if need be.

•Any Light Cheese: to add to that nice creamy texture, can be skipped if need be.

Step-by-Step Olive Macaroni Pasta Salad Instructions:

Ready to make this delicious Mediterranean olive pasta salad – Follow these simple steps:

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also cools it down, making it perfect for a salad.

2. Prepare the Ingredients

While the pasta is cooking, chop the olives into bite size, chop the fresh herbs and crumble the feta cheese.

3. Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped olives, olive oil + lemon juice, seasonings, herbs, nuts, cheese, and herbs over the salad and toss well to ensure everything is coated.

4. Serve Fresh or Cold:

Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately or refrigerate the salad for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.
This lets the flavors meld together and makes the salad extra refreshing.

Tips for the Perfect Mediterranean Olive Pasta Salad

• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Olive oil is a major flavor component in the dressing, so choose a good quality extra-virgin olive oil.

• Balance the Acidity: Adjust the lemon juice and vinegar to your taste. Too much acidity can overpower the flavors.

• Chill the Salad: Giving the salad time to chill helps the flavors blend beautifully.

• Customizable: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients. Artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers are great additions!

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, this Mediterranean olive pasta salad can be made a day ahead. In fact, making it in advance allows the flavors to develop more fully. Just make sure to give it a good toss before serving.

How Long Does This Salad Last?

Stored in an airtight container, this salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal-prepping lunches or as a ready-to-serve side dish for dinner.

Recipe Variations

This Mediterranean olive pasta salad is highly adaptable. Here are a few ways you can make it your own:

1. Vegan Option: Omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
2. Add Protein: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
3. Switch Up the Veggies: Add roasted zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus for extra flavor.
4. Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs.
5. Experiment with Herbs: Fresh dill or mint adds a new dimension of flavor.

Health Benefits of Mediterranean Olive Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean olive pasta salad isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with health benefits too! Here are a few reasons why this salad is a nutritious choice:

• Heart-Healthy Fats: Olives and olive oil are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

• Fiber and Antioxidants: Fresh vegetables provide fiber and antioxidants, essential for a healthy digestive system and immune support.

• Protein from Feta: Feta cheese offers protein and calcium, making this salad more satisfying.

• Low Glycemic: This salad is balanced and won’t spike blood sugar, making it a suitable option for those watching their glycemic load.

With its vibrant colors and delicious taste, this easy Mediterranean olive pasta salad recipe is a flavorful, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it’s also packed with healthy ingredients that nourish the body.

Give this pasta salad a try whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a picnic, or meal prepping for the week, this salad is a versatile, delicious, and nutritious choice!

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Yield: 3 adults

Easy Mediterranean Olive Pasta Salad Recipe

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Easy Mediterranean Olive Pasta Salad Recipe: refreshing, flavorful, and quick macaroni pasta salad recipe that uses Mediterranean ingredients like olives, feta cheese, zaatar, sesame seeds, basil, mint, nuts, and fresh lemon juice. Perfect for light meals, sides, picnics, or packed office lunches. There is no cream or mayonnaise used.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Cooked Pasta - use small pasta like sheets, macaroni, etc
• 1 Cup Olives - chopped
• 1/4 Cup Feta Cheese - shredded
• 4 Tbsp Any Light Cheese - can use as per choice or skip
• Juice of 1 Lemon - about 2 tbsp
• 2 Tbsp EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil or light olive oil
• 4 Tbsp Choice of Nuts - i’m using toasted pecans as they go really well here
• 2 Tbsp Mix Fresh Herbs - I’m using basil and mint, can use any as per choice

Seasonings:

• 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
• 1 Tsp Chili Flakes
• 1 Tbsp Zaatar
• Salt - as per taste

Instructions

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also cools it down, making it perfect for a salad.

2. Prepare the Ingredients

While the pasta is cooking, chop the olives into bite size, chop the fresh herbs and crumble the feta cheese.

3. Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped olives, olive oil + lemon juice, seasonings, herbs, nuts, cheese, and herbs over the salad and toss well to ensure everything is coated.

4. Serve Fresh or Cold:

Transfer to serving bowl and serve immediately or refrigerate the salad for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld together and makes the salad extra refreshing.

Notes

Use small bite size pasta for easy version.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 326Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 615mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 13g