The Zoes-Inspired Tomato Basil and Feta Pasta Salad is a flavorful, refreshing dish that captures the bright, herby essence of Mediterranean cuisine. With juicy cherry tomatoes, salty feta cheese, and fragrant basil all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a salad that balances creamy, tangy, and herbal notes in perfect harmony. The addition of red onions and kalamata olives gives it an extra punch of flavor and crunch.
This pasta salad is ideal for summer picnics, light lunches, or easy meal prep. It travels well, can be made ahead of time, and is vegetarian-friendly. It’s an easy go-to dish when you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether served chilled on a hot day or brought along to a potluck, it brings fresh vibes to any table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 oz rotini or penne pasta
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
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1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
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1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, feta, basil, red onion, and olives.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
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Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Tomato Basil and Feta Pasta Salad, inspired by the beloved Zoes Kitchen dish, is a vibrant and refreshing salad that brings together simple yet bold Mediterranean flavors. This recipe has quickly become a fan favorite not just for its taste, but also for its versatility, health benefits, and ease of preparation. Combining ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, aromatic fresh basil, and a tangy vinaigrette tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this dish stands out as both a wholesome lunch and a satisfying side.
Originally popularized by Zoes Kitchen, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant chain known for its fresh and healthy dishes, this pasta salad is a go-to for those looking to enjoy a restaurant-quality experience at home. The flavor profile is clean, bold, and herbaceous, showcasing the essence of Greek-inspired cuisine that’s both indulgent and nourishing.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how beautifully all the ingredients complement each other. The sweetness and acidity of cherry tomatoes balance the creamy saltiness of feta cheese. The fresh basil adds brightness and an earthy aroma, while the vinaigrette ties everything together with just the right amount of tang.
What makes it even more appealing is that it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours in the fridge, which makes it ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or picnics. It’s one of those rare recipes that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor and satisfaction.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser and can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, prepping a side dish for a summer BBQ, or simply craving a healthy and filling bowl of goodness, it always delivers.
For outdoor events like picnics and cookouts, it stays fresh for hours and holds up well without wilting. As a lunch or light dinner, it offers balanced nutrition and a hearty serving of vegetables. It can even be paired with grilled meats or added to a mezze platter for a more complete meal.
Health Benefits and Nutrition Highlights
This Tomato Basil and Feta Pasta Salad is not only delicious, but also filled with nutrient-dense ingredients. Cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for reducing inflammation and promoting heart health. Feta cheese, while salty, provides calcium, protein, and healthy fats. Olive oil a staple in the Mediterranean diet is heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory, making it a fantastic base for the dressing.
Fresh basil contains essential oils with antibacterial properties, along with vitamins A, K, and C. Red onions, often used raw in this salad, are known for their digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.
When paired with whole grain or gluten-free pasta, this salad can cater to specific dietary needs while remaining wholesome and filling. For added protein, you can toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even lentils, making it a more substantial meal.
Customizable and Versatile
One of the most attractive aspects of this recipe is how adaptable it is. While the classic version uses rotini or penne pasta, you can easily swap it for orzo, bowtie, or even lentil or chickpea pasta for a gluten-free or high-protein alternative. Similarly, feta cheese can be replaced with plant-based feta or crumbled goat cheese if you prefer a different flavor or need a vegan version.
You can enhance the Mediterranean vibe by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, cucumbers, arugula, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts. The vinaigrette can be customized too use balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or even Greek yogurt for a creamier touch. The salad is your canvas, and the options are endless.
Why It’s Loved by Everyone
This dish appeals to both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices because of its simplicity. It doesn’t require any special equipment or cooking skills just basic chopping, boiling, and mixing. Yet, the result feels gourmet.
Moreover, it satisfies multiple dietary preferences. It’s vegetarian by default, easily made gluten-free, and can be dairy-free with a simple substitution. This makes it an excellent addition to dinner parties and gatherings where guests may have various food sensitivities.
The flavor is both kid- and adult-friendly. It’s bright, slightly tangy, savory, and fresh, making it an excellent introduction to Mediterranean flavors for those new to the cuisine.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Another standout benefit of this salad is its make-ahead friendliness. The flavors develop and improve as the salad chills, allowing the vinaigrette to soak into the pasta and vegetables. Make it the night before your event or meal, and you’ll notice an even deeper flavor profile the next day.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for batch cooking and meal planning. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen it up. If it seems dry after refrigeration, a splash of olive oil or lemon juice can revive it.
Serving Suggestions
This Tomato Basil and Feta Pasta Salad can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or alongside other Mediterranean favorites. Here are some ways to serve it:
- With Grilled Meats: Serve it next to grilled chicken skewers, lamb chops, or beef kebabs for a satisfying summer meal.
- As a Mezze Plate: Pair it with hummus, olives, pita bread, and dolmas for a full Mediterranean spread.
- In Lunchboxes: It makes an ideal cold lunch packed with veggies and carbs to fuel your day.
- Topped with Protein: Add grilled shrimp, salmon, or marinated tofu for an extra protein boost.
- As a Side Dish: Works beautifully with roasted vegetables, soups, or sandwiches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While the recipe is forgiving, there are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure the pasta is al dente so it holds its shape and texture after absorbing the dressing.
- Underdressing the Salad: Pasta absorbs a lot of moisture, so be generous with the vinaigrette or adjust it after chilling.
- Using Low-Quality Feta or Olive Oil: Since the ingredients are minimal, their quality makes a difference. Choose creamy feta and good extra virgin olive oil.
- Forgetting to Chill: While you can serve it immediately, allowing the salad to chill gives it time to meld and intensify in flavor.
Conclusion
Tomato Basil and Feta Pasta Salad is a modern Mediterranean classic that offers a delightful balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. With minimal ingredients and a flexible approach, it delivers freshness and satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re recreating your favorite dish from Zoes Kitchen or discovering it for the first time, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Its vibrant color, texture, and bold taste make it an irresistible choice for any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, casual gathering, or simple weekday meal, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.