Mediterranean Pickle Pasta Salad with Feta & Herbs

Mediterranean Pickle Pasta Salad with Feta & Herbs

This Mediterranean Pickle Pasta Salad with Feta & Herbs is a refreshing, tangy, and herb-packed side dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings, picnics, or light lunches. The briny punch of pickles pairs surprisingly well with classic Mediterranean flavors like crumbled feta, fresh herbs, olives, and olive oil, giving this pasta salad a unique twist that stands out from the typical creamy versions.

The combination of al dente pasta, crunchy pickles, creamy feta, and aromatic herbs creates a bright and zesty salad that’s quick to prepare and sure to please pickle lovers and Mediterranean food fans alike.

Total Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time (Pasta): 10 minutes

Assemble Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

8 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli work well)

¾ cup dill pickles, chopped (plus 2 tbsp pickle juice for the dressing)

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced

¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)

2 tbsp fresh mint or basil, chopped (optional for extra flavor)

For the Dressing:

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp pickle juice (from the jar)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, minced

½ tsp dried oregano

¼ tsp black pepper

Salt to taste (be careful, the pickles and feta are salty)

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.

Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, pickle juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, and black pepper.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped pickles, feta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, dill, and mint or basil if using.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Chill & Serve:

For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15–20 minutes before serving.

Garnish with extra feta and fresh herbs if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, shrimp, or lamb.

Enjoy as a light lunch or picnic salad.

Pair with Mediterranean wraps, hummus, or flatbreads for a complete meal.

Tips

Use Good Quality Pickles: Choose crisp dill pickles or Mediterranean-style pickled cucumbers for the best flavor.

Cool the Pasta Properly: Rinse the pasta under cold water after boiling to stop cooking and prevent clumping.

Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better after 1–2 hours in the fridge as the flavors meld.

Balance the Salt: Since feta, olives, and pickles are salty, taste before adding extra salt to avoid over-seasoning.

Variations:

Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna for a protein-packed main dish.

Try Different Cheese: Use goat cheese, mozzarella pearls, or ricotta salata instead of feta for variety.

Make it Vegan: Replace feta with plant-based feta or omit the cheese entirely.

Use Other Pickles: Try pickled peppers, caper berries, or Mediterranean pickled vegetables for extra briny flavor.

Add Greens: Toss in some baby spinach, arugula, or chopped romaine for more texture.

Spicy Option: Add sliced pepperoncini or a dash of red pepper flakes for heat.

Q&A

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?

A: Yes! Gluten-free pasta works perfectly. Just follow package instructions and rinse well after cooking.

Q: What other herbs can I use besides dill and parsley?

A: You can use fresh basil, mint, cilantro, or oregano for different herb combinations.

Q: How long does this salad last in the fridge?

A: It will keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Stir before serving as the dressing may settle.

Q: Can I use bottled dressing instead?

A: While fresh dressing is recommended, you can use a light vinaigrette or Italian dressing, but add pickle juice to maintain the signature tang.

Q: Is this salad served cold or room temperature?

A: It’s best served cold or slightly chilled, but you can also enjoy it at room temperature for picnics or potlucks.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Based on 6 servings)

Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Pickle Pasta Salad with Feta & Herbs is a vibrant, tangy, and refreshing salad that breaks away from the ordinary. With a unique blend of crunchy pickles, creamy feta, briny olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this pasta salad brings a burst of Mediterranean zest to your table.

It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or simple lunches, offering a balance of bright flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you serve it as a side or add protein for a complete meal, this salad is a fun, bold, and crave-worthy twist on the classic pasta salad!