Mediterranean Pesto Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Pesto Pasta Salad combines the vibrant flavors of basil pesto with classic Mediterranean ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese. It’s a fresh, zesty, and satisfying dish perfect for warm weather, meal prep, potlucks, or a healthy weekday lunch. This no-fuss recipe blends the herbaceous punch of pesto with the tang and crunch of fresh veggies and the creamy sharpness of feta—all tied together with pasta to soak up every drop of flavor.
It’s a celebration of color, texture, and taste—ready in under 30 minutes and easy to customize for gluten-free, vegetarian, or protein-boosted versions. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a year-round winner.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
3 cups cooked pasta (fusilli, penne, or bowtie – about 225g dry)
¾ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup cucumber, diced
⅓ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
⅓ cup red onion, finely sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
1 tablespoon capers (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
For the Dressing:
⅓ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar (optional for extra tang)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let it cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, and vinegar (if using).
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers.
Pour the pesto dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Add Cheese & Garnish
Add crumbled feta and toss again gently.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
5. Serve or Chill
Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Tips for Success
Use Short Pasta: Fusilli, penne, or bowtie are ideal as they hold the dressing well.
Cool Pasta Fully: Prevents sogginess and helps preserve the texture of veggies.
Balance the Salt: Feta, olives, and pesto are salty—taste before adding more salt.
Make Ahead: Salad can be made a day in advance; just toss in a little extra olive oil before serving if it seems dry.
Customize Texture: For crunch, add pine nuts or roasted chickpeas before serving.
Variations
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna.
Grain Swap: Use orzo, farro, or quinoa instead of pasta for a different base.
Dairy-Free: Omit feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
Vegan Option: Use vegan pesto and feta.
Green Upgrade: Toss in arugula or baby spinach for extra greens.
Nut-Free Pesto: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in homemade pesto.
Q&A
Q: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A: Absolutely! Just choose a good-quality basil pesto with minimal preservatives for the best flavor.
Q: Can I serve it warm?
A: Yes! While it’s typically served cold, it’s also delicious slightly warm or room temperature.
Q: How long does it keep in the fridge?
A: It lasts up to 3 days in an airtight container. Add a splash of olive oil to freshen it up.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes! Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, spinach, and zucchini all work well.
Q: What type of pasta is best?
A: Pasta with ridges or spirals (fusilli, rotini, farfalle) helps hold the pesto dressing best.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)
Calories: 320
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on specific ingredients and pesto used.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and refreshingly easy dish that merges classic Mediterranean ingredients with the aromatic richness of pesto. It’s hearty enough for a main meal yet light and versatile enough for picnics or potlucks. With endless ways to customize and prep ahead, it’s a must-have in your summer or meal prep rotation.