A Perfect Summertime Side Dish Recipe: Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Tired of searching for a summertime side dish recipe that is a little different from what you usually bring to a BBQ?

When searching for summertime side dish recipes that are both satisfying and nutritious, this Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad checks every box. I, like many, love a good BBQ, but I don't love all of the mayo heavy sides. I created this recipe in an effort to bring more nutrition into my BBQ side dishes. Packed with protein-rich Great Northern beans, tangy feta cheese, and fresh vegetables, it's a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners that’s chock-full of healthy ingredients.

Learn more about one of the best summertime side dish recipes you can serve at your next BBQ.

The Best of Easy Summer Side Dishes

Unlike traditional mayonnaise-heavy pasta salads, this recipe features a bright, simple dressing made with heart-healthy olive oil and Za'atar seasoning. Being a huge feta fanatic, I knew that adding it to the dish would bring that creamy tanginess. If you aren't a fan of feta, I do think goat cheese would be a really delicious substitute. If you are all for feta, the combination of beans and feta cheese provides substantial protein and fiber, making it more than just a side dish. 

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1/2 cup dry orzo pasta 
• 2 cans (15 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 medium red onion, diced
• 1 English cucumber, deseeded and diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 large tomatoes, diced and deseeded)
• 1/4 cup olives, diced

For the Handmade Za'atar Dressing:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Za'atar seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let cool completely.
2. Prepare the vegetables while the pasta cools. Slice the red onion thinly and halve the cherry tomatoes. If using large tomatoes, dice them into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Za'atar seasoning, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the salad in a large bowl by combining the cooled pasta, beans, crumbled feta, sliced red onion, and tomatoes.
5. Dress and toss the salad with the Za'atar dressing, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
6. Chill and serve after refrigerating for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Add Salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Why This Recipe Works for Summer Entertaining

This pasta salad embodies everything you’ll love about summertime side dish recipes: it's make-ahead friendly, travels well, and improves in flavor as it sits, meaning it's perfect to make the day before. The Great Northern beans add satisfying protein and fiber that keeps the family full, while the Za'atar brings an unexpected Middle Eastern flair that elevates the dish beyond typical pasta salads.

The textures combine creamy feta, tender beans, crisp cucumbers, red onion, and juicy tomatoes in this salad for something that's fresh and light, creating a satisfying bite every time. Plus, the olive oil-based dressing won't weigh you down in the summer heat like heavier mayo-based alternatives.

Make-Ahead Tips

This pasta salad is ideal for meal prep and busy summer schedules. Prepare it a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Before serving, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes and give it a good stir. This brings out the flavors a little more. You may want to add a splash more dressing to bring a fresh layer of flavor and moisture.

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Nutritional Benefits 

What I love about this pasta salad is that the recipe offers nutritional benefits. I chose Great Northern beans because they are known for being high in fiber and offer protein. The olive oil delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and the vegetables contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, feta cheese adds calcium and tangy flavor without being overly heavy.

Serving Suggestions

I love this as a standalone side dish because it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, steak, or vegetables. 

The bonus is that it becomes a perfect lunch to take to work by throwing on some chicken, steak, or shrimp. The other day, I had it with some of our Butcherbox chicken sausage. It was delicious. 

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Your Next Go To Summertime Side Dish

When you're looking for a side dish for your next BBQ, keep this in mind. I promise that it will easily become a quick, go-to that you can bring to parties. 

This Mediterranean pasta salad delivers on flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Also, the homemade Za'atar dressing transforms into a perfect dressing to keep in the refrigerator for the entire summer.

I hope that you enjoy this summertime side dish recipe and add it to your rotation this summer.

Serves 6-8 as a side dish | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)

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