Mediterranean Pasta Salad (Sam's Club Copycat Recipe)

This Mediterranean pasta salad recipe recreates the popular Sam’s Club version at home! Loaded with kale, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, Parmesan, and a basil-balsamic dressing, this copycat version is even better than the original. It's fresh, healthy, and perfect for meal prep, cookouts, or an easy weeknight side.

Why I Love This Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

I’ve bought the Sam’s Club Mediterranean pasta salad more times than I can count, so I know exactly what makes it so popular. It has such a unique, addictive flavor, so I decided to save myself the trips to the store and make my own copycat version at home—and honestly, it has been a total game-changer. Not only can I tweak it to my taste (extra feta, more sun-dried tomatoes, or lighter on the dressing if I’m meal-prepping lunches), but I also get fresher ingredients, healthier swaps, and better flavor control. That first bite always reminds me why this has become one of my go-to pasta salad recipes: it’s every bit as crave-worthy as the store version, only brighter and fresher.

What really makes this recipe one you’ll want to keep in rotation is the balance of flavors and textures. You get tangy feta and Parmesan, chewy pasta, slightly tender kale, and a herby, garlicky basil-balsamic dressing that clings to every bite. I also love that it tastes amazing both freshly made and the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together. Serve it on its own for a light Mediterranean-inspired meal, or pair it with garlic parmesan chicken or grilled salmon for a more filling, protein-packed dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 3 cups cooked pasta (Campanelle, rotini, or farfalle)
• 2 cups kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoon basil paste or pesto
• 2–3 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prep the Kale

Remove the tough stems from the kale and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. For tender texture, drizzle lightly with olive oil and massage for 1–2 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, basil paste or pesto, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, kale, feta, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the salad sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the kale to soften slightly. Toss once more before serving chilled or at room temperature. 

Expert Tips to Make The Best Sam's Club Mediterranean Pasta Salad

• Massage the Kale – Kale’s natural bitterness and tough texture mellow when massaged with oil. This step transforms it from leathery to tender, making the salad more enjoyable. If you’re short on time, blanching the kale for 30 seconds in boiling water also softens it.
• Choose the Right Pasta – Pasta shapes with curves and ridges (rotini, campanelle, farfalle) trap the dressing better than straight noodles. I tested with penne, and while it works, the flavors don’t stick as well.
• White Balsamic for Balance – Regular balsamic vinegar is darker and sweeter; white balsamic gives the dressing a lighter, tangier profile that won’t overpower the herbs. If you can’t find it, a mix of apple cider vinegar and a tiny drizzle of honey works as a substitute.
• Let It Rest – Allowing the salad to sit for 30 minutes lets the flavors meld and softens the kale further. I find it tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead option or meal prep.
• Customize the Salt – Both feta and Parmesan are salty cheeses, so taste the salad before adding extra salt to avoid overseasoning.

Variations To Try

• Add Protein – Add grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or chickpeas to boost the protein and make this a complete meal.
• Olive Lovers – Add ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives or Castelvetrano olives for a briny flavor and authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Roasted Veggie Upgrade – Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a heartier salad. 
• Light Version – Use reduced-fat feta and cut the oil to 2 Tbsp; the flavor is still big, but calories are lower.
• Gluten-Free Swap – Switch the traditional pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta brand.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it gets better the longer it sits. For this reason, it's one of my go-to meal prep recipes. Make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge—just give it a toss before serving. 

How long does it last in the fridge?

It keeps well for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. The kale holds up better than lettuce, so it doesn’t wilt as quickly.

Do I have to use kale?

No, but keep in mind that kale is what Sam's Club uses. You can swap kale with baby spinach or arugula. Spinach makes it softer and more delicate, while arugula adds a peppery bite.

Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead of white?

Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter and the color of the pasta salad will darken. White balsamic is closer to the Sam’s Club version, but feel free to use whatever you want.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Short, ridged pastas like rotini, farfalle, or even bow tie pasta hold dressing and toppings best. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti—they don’t mix as well.

My Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean pasta salad is the perfect balance of al dente pasta, salty cheese, and tangy dressing—all tied together with kale and sun-dried tomatoes for a fresh Mediterranean vibe. It’s quick, customizable, and holds up well in the fridge, making it an easy win for parties, picnics, or weekday lunches. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think by leaving a comment and review below!

More Copycat Recipes To Try

• Zippy's chili 
• Chicken Salad Chick recipe
• Din Tai Fung green beans
• Cheddars New Orleans pasta