Macaroni salad is a timeless classic, but if you’re looking to elevate the usual, this Mediterranean Macaroni Salad is the way to go! Bursting with vibrant flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a tangy lemon-oregano dressing, this dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or meal prep. The creamy yet light dressing blends beautifully with the al dente pasta, making it a go-to summer macaroni salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Mediterranean Macaroni Salad
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Large pot for boiling pasta
Colander for draining pasta
Mixing bowls for salad and dressing
Whisk for blending dressing
Sharp knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients
Large spoon for mixing everything together
For the Salad
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or any short pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives sliced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1/2 small red onion finely diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt for a creamy macaroni salad base
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the Pasta
Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and parsley.
Add the Dressing
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and mix well to coat all ingredients evenly.
Finish with Feta
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, let the homemade macaroni salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course!
Perfect Pairings
This Mediterranean macaroni pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or roasted vegetables. For a refreshing beverage, try serving it with a chilled glass of white wine or a homemade lemonade. If you’re bringing it to a picnic, pair it with some crusty bread and hummus for a complete Mediterranean feast.
FAQs
1. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Elbow macaroni is traditional for a recipe for macaroni salad, but you can also use rotini, penne, or farfalle. The key is choosing a pasta shape that holds onto the dressing well.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead option. Just give it a quick toss before serving.
3. Is this summer macaroni salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, add a splash of olive oil or Greek yogurt before serving.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative and omit the feta or replace it with a dairy-free cheese option.
5. How can I add more protein?
Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or canned tuna make great protein additions without overpowering the flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired dish.
