Mediterranean Picnic Pasta Salad with Olives and Pickled Peppers

This Mediterranean Picnic Pasta Salad is the kind of dish spring was made for. Bright, punchy and easy to make ahead, it brings together olives, pickled peppers, feta, herbs and a simple lemony dressing for a pasta salad that feels generous enough for sharing but easy enough for a weekday lunch.

Perfect for spring picnics, bank holiday gatherings and laid-back lunches in the garden, it travels well, holds its flavour, and pairs beautifully with the kind of grazing table we all start craving as the days get longer.

Serves:

4 to 6

Ingredients:

• 350g pasta, such as fusilli, penne or farfalle

• 150g mixed olives, drained

• 120g pickled peppers, sliced

• 200g cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 small cucumber, diced

• 1 small red onion, finely sliced

• 150g feta, crumbled

• 2 tbsp capers, drained

• Small handful fresh parsley, chopped

• Small handful fresh mint, chopped

For the dressing:

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Sea salt

• Black pepper

Method:

1. Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water until just tender. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water, then leave to cool completely.

2. While the pasta cools, make the dressing. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, garlic and oregano. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.

3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the olives, pickled peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta and capers.

4. Pour over the dressing and toss everything together until well coated. Add the chopped parsley and mint, then gently mix again.

5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add an extra squeeze of lemon just before serving to brighten everything up.

6. Serve straight away or chill until needed. If making ahead, give it a quick toss before serving.

Serving Note:

Serve as part of a spring mezze spread with flatbreads, dips and extra olives, or pack it up for picnics, lunchboxes and easy bank holiday hosting.

Optional Swaps and Add-Ins:

• Add grilled chicken for a heartier version

• Swap feta for a crumbly goat’s cheese

• Add roasted red peppers or artichokes for extra depth

• Stir through rocket just before serving for a peppery finish