Mary Berry Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

Mary Berry Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful, and satisfying dish packed with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. It combines classic Mediterranean flavors with a light texture that makes it perfect for lunches, picnics, barbecues, or easy family dinners. This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires very little cooking beyond boiling the pasta. Total time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick and delicious meal for busy days.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

300g fusilli or penne pasta
200g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 small red onion, finely sliced
1 red pepper, diced
75g black olives, sliced
100g feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

For the Mediterranean Dressing

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, crushed
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Mary Berry Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Cool the pasta: Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water. Allow it to drain completely.
Prepare the vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red pepper, slice the red onion, and prepare the olives and herbs.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper until combined.
Combine the salad: Place the pasta into a large serving bowl. Add the vegetables, olives, herbs, and feta cheese.
Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Serve: Garnish with additional feta cheese and fresh herbs before serving.

Tips for the Best Mediterranean Pasta Salad

How do I stop the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta until just al dente. Overcooked pasta can become soft once the dressing is added.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare it several hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add extra herbs before serving for freshness.

How can I make the salad more filling?

Add grilled chicken, tuna, chickpeas, or cooked prawns for extra protein.

What is the best pasta shape to use?

Fusilli, penne, rotini, and farfalle work particularly well because they hold the dressing effectively.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside grilled chicken.
Pair with roasted lamb.
Enjoy as part of a summer buffet.
Serve with crusty bread.
Take it to picnics and barbecues.

Storage

Room Temperature

Do not leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables and feta can lose their texture after thawing.

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sodium: 420mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I make Mediterranean pasta salad the day before?

Yes. It can be prepared up to one day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavor often improves as it sits.

Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes. Whole wheat pasta works well and adds extra fiber while maintaining a satisfying texture.

What protein can I add to this salad?

Grilled chicken, tuna, prawns, chickpeas, or cooked salmon are excellent additions.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply replace the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.