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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean pasta salad with Greek pasta, olives, feta, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes in a bright lemon-herb dressing. Penne is rinsed cold for a firm bite, then tossed and chilled until the flavors meld.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chilling 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 lb penne pasta
Vegetables and mix-ins
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives halved
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts quartered
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 0.5 cup red onion diced
Cheese and dressing
  • 6 oz feta cheese crumbled
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Cook and cool the pasta
  1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and keep the texture firm.
Make the lemon-herb dressing
  1. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly combined for a bright, herby dressing.
Assemble the salad
  1. Combine pasta, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and feta in a large bowl so everything is distributed.
  2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until the pasta and mix-ins look evenly coated.
Chill and serve
  1. Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours so the flavors meld and the dressing clings to the pasta.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a fresh top note and a pop of green color.

Notes

For best texture, rinse the pasta with cold water right after draining so it doesn’t turn soft in the dressing. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; keep chilled and avoid freezing for best texture. If you want a dairy-free option, swap feta for a plant-based feta that crumbles for a similar salty finish.